This week, we sat down with Lizeth, a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), who has been an invaluable part of the PDAO team since 2020. Lizeth’s journey at PDAO began at the front desk, managing check-ins and check-outs. However, her ambitions quickly transcended administrative duties. Ideally, Lizeth wanted more direct interaction with the children, desiring the opportunity to form meaningful connections and provide comfort in their clinical visits.

Her perseverance paid off when she transitioned to the clinical area, where she trained to become an RDA. Lizeth’s passion for her work is evident in every word she shares. “Getting to talk to the kids from the moment that you go get them and the moment you bring them back… it’s amazing,” she says. Each interaction is a testament to her dedication, as she finds joy in helping children open up and feel at ease during their dental visits.

Beyond her professional life, Lizeth’s personality shines through her interests. A Marvel enthusiast, she roots for Spider-Man. Her taste in entertainment is diverse, from adoring “New Girl’‘ to enjoying the animated antics of “Phineas and Ferb.” Given the choice of any superpower, she’d choose to fly, dreaming of adventures in Italy, never to return!

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For more educational videos and resources that can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy, check out our YouTube Channel! Make sure you subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications when we drop our latest videos!

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Today, Dr. Jon, a pediatric dentist at our Fayetteville office, will be delving into the topic of the Caries Risk Assessment. Dr. Jon breaks down the Caries Risk Assessment to better understand what it entails, its importance, and how it benefits patients!

Breaking Down the Terminology

To ensure a clear understanding of each word:

Caries – This refers to the decaying condition of a tooth, widely recognized as tooth decay. Cavities fall under this category. Caries can lead to pain, infection, inflammation, and ultimately, a loss of function that requires treatment.

Risk – This pertains to the probability or likelihood that something may occur in the future, based on current or past information.

Assessment – This is a tool or instrument used to gather information to draw a conclusion after some analysis.

So putting it all together, a Caries Risk Assessment is an instrument used to gather and analyze information to determine the likelihood of a patient developing cavities in the future.

Purpose and Application

The primary aim of Caries Risk Assessment is to inform patients and parents of the potential risks that could lead to cavity formation. Even if a patient currently has no cavities, certain indicators like dietary habits can still categorize them as high risk. For instance, if a child consumes sweets multiple times a day, despite it being just a little each time, the frequency alone can elevate their risk level.

Modifiable vs. Non-modifiable Factors

A crucial aspect of the Caries Risk Assessment involves identifying both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors:

Non-modifiable Factors: These are elements that cannot be changed, such as certain health conditions that predispose someone to develop cavities more easily. The importance of acknowledging these factors is so that the dental team can work alongside patients and their families to manage them effectively.

Modifiable Factors: These are factors that can be changed, and they excite dental professionals because they present opportunities for intervention. By identifying these factors, such as dietary habits or oral hygiene practices, dental teams can provide actionable tips and advice. This collaborative approach aims to reduce the likelihood of cavity formation, ideally limiting the number of dental visits to routine check-ups twice a year.

The Partnership

An important part of the Caries Risk Assessment is the partnership between the dental team and patients and parents because by working together, we can address modifiable risk factors and implement preventive measures. The goal is to reduce the risk of cavities and maintain optimal oral health with minimal intervention. By understanding the underlying risk factors and addressing them proactively, patients can enjoy better oral health and fewer dental issues!

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For more educational videos and resources that can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy, check out our YouTube Channel! Make sure you subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications when we drop our latest videos!

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With Mother’s Day right around the corner, Amy Morgan recently sat down with Andrea Malcolm, a PDAO mom and patient, who shared her personal journey with motherhood and orthodontics. Andrea provided insight into the unique challenges and triumphs of managing oral health care for both herself and her children within the same trusted practice.

At PDAO, Andrea’s family has found comprehensive care that adjusts to their lifestyles and personal needs. While her three children have gone through or are currently undergoing orthodontic treatments with Dr. Jason, Andrea herself decided to embrace orthodontic care as an adult. This decision was spurred by her desire to take charge of her oral health and improve her self-confidence!

Amy and Andrea’s conversation highlights the supportive environment at PDAO, not just in providing top-tier orthodontic services, but also in ensuring that appointments are family-friendly and synchronous when possible. Moreover, they discussed the logistical benefits of having dental and orthodontic services under one roof. This setup offers convenience for busy families who can have their appointments stacked, reducing multiple visits, which is a testament to the empathetic and personalized care provided by PDAO’s staff, who remember individual patient details, contributing to a more personal and comforting healthcare experience!

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For more educational videos and resources that can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy, check out our YouTube Channel! Make sure you subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications when we drop our latest videos!

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Are you feeling a little nervous about your child’s first trip to the dentist? You’re not alone! Many parents worry about how their little ones will react. So this week we’re sharing some super helpful tips to help ease your child into their dental debut with a smile.

1. Start Positive

First things first, it’s important to keep dental talks positive. We all might have had our dental misadventures, but it’s crucial to put a good spin on it when discussing these in front of kids because the way we talk about our experiences can shape their perceptions and expectations.

2. Play Pretend Dentist

Next up, we suggest a fun activity: playing dentist at home! It’s a wonderful way to familiarize your little one with what happens during a dental visit. Grab their favorite dolls or teddy bears and let your child play the role of the dentist. This playful approach not only makes them more comfortable with the idea but also sparks their curiosity about dental health in a fun, engaging way.

3. Timing is Everything

When scheduling your child’s first appointment, aiming for the morning can make a world of difference. Kids are generally more cooperative and fresh earlier in the day, which can lead to a smoother visit.

4. Bring a Piece of Home

Another great tip is to have your child bring along a favorite comfort object. Be it a snuggly blanket, a beloved stuffed animal, or any favorite toy, having a piece of home with them can significantly ease their nerves and make the dental office feel a little less intimidating.

5. Educational Fun

Lastly, we recommend involving educational yet entertaining resources about dental visits. Books like The Berenstain Bears Go to the Dentist and Pout-Pout Fish Goes to the Dentist are fantastic. Also, look out for Daniel Tiger’s dental visit video. These resources are not only enjoyable, but also provide a gentle introduction to oral health, making the real visit less scary.

Preparing your little one for their first dental visit doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these practical and fun ideas, you can help pave the way for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

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For more educational videos and resources that can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy, check out our YouTube Channel! Make sure you subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications when we drop our latest videos!

The post Tips to Prepare Your Child for the Dentist appeared first on Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics.

Hello, parents! If you’ve ever worried about what to do when a dental emergency strikes your little one, you’re not alone. That’s why this week we’re sharing some extremely valuable information about what you need to know about handling dental emergencies for your kids.

Recognizing a Dental Emergency

Let’s start with the basics: understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency. According to the world of dentistry, a true emergency is, most notably, an avulsed permanent tooth. This means that your child’s permanent tooth has been knocked out completely. When this happens, it’s imperative to act fast because, unlike baby teeth, once a permanent tooth is gone, it’s gone for good unless promptly reinserted by a professional.

If your child’s permanent tooth has been knocked out, make sure to find the tooth and handle it by the crown, not the root. Then rinse it without scrubbing, keep it moist (ideally in milk), and rush to your dentist or emergency dental service immediately. For less severe cases such as a chipped tooth, where only a small piece of the tooth has broken off, it might not be as urgent, although it still requires professional attention. However, if more than half of the tooth is broken or if there’s nerve exposure (which can cause significant pain), this is more urgent and will likely need immediate care.

Additionally, not all dental concerns are emergencies, but they still might be unsettling or uncomfortable. Things like minor swelling from poor brushing or the discovery of new cavities may not need emergency care but do require attention. In these cases, the on-call service will help assess the situation and advise if the issue can wait until regular office hours.

PDAO’s Emergency Line

Did you know that at our office, we provide an around-the-clock emergency line? Whether it’s during after-hours, weekends, or holidays, we have someone on call 24/7 to assist with dental emergencies or even non-urgent dental worries. All you have to do to reach us is call our main number, follow the prompts to leave a voicemail, and someone will get back to you within an hour.

However, in order to avoid having to experience a dental emergency and needing to call our emergency line, we recommend taking preventative measures, especially during active months like spring and summer when kids are more prone to accidents. We encourage the use of mouth guards during sports and teaching children to be aware of their surroundings, which can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries. 

Dental emergencies can be scary, but knowing what to do can make a huge difference. These tips will not only help prepare you to handle such situations better but also remind you to take preventive measures to protect your children’s smiles. In case of any dental concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dental care provider because it’s better safe than sorry when it comes to your kids’ health and well-being!

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For more educational videos and resources that can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy, check out our YouTube Channel! Make sure you subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications when we drop our latest videos!

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Are you ready for another PDAO Team Talk? Today we’re thrilled to introduce you to another member of our PDAO family, Kirsten, who is an RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) at our Fayetteville location and has a background in child development. Kirsten shares the realities of dental anxiety and how her playful antics, including singing along to movies or being extra communicative about procedures, help ease the fears of young patients and make visits memorable and enjoyable.

Kirsten’s approach to pediatric dentistry is infused with her personal mantra – being goofy is the key to a successful visit! She’s all about helping kiddos feel comfortable and has a knack for turning a dental chair into a giggle fest. Kirsten always works to further PDAO’s larger mission of making dental care less intimidating and more inviting for children while ensuring personalized care and excellent communication remains top priority.

Outside of work, Kirsten fosters 23 pets, and she shares a special bond with Tina, her charismatic Chihuahua-pitbull mix! Kirsten loves to explore all the hidden gems in Northwest Arkansas, and unwinds by watching her favorite TV show, Bob’s Burgers. 

The one thing Kirsten wants every parent to know about PDAO is that behind the cavity fillings and the fluoride treatments, each kid is more than just a chart. They’re a story and an experience that’s treasured! Whether it’s singing along to a favorite movie or holding a hand just a little tighter, Kirsten and the whole PDAO team go above and beyond to ensure every child feels safe, heard, and most importantly, happy to come back.

Find More Resources

For more educational videos and resources that can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy, check out our YouTube Channel! Make sure you subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications when we drop our latest videos!

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Recently, Amy Morgan sat down with two special guests from the Children’s Safety Center of Washington County, Emily Rappe’ Fisher and Sydney Bright! They shared some incredible insights about the essential work the center does and all the events planned for April in support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Children’s Safety Center is place where kids who have experienced immediate child abuse come to receive initial services. This is incredibly crucial because it ensures that the children are interviewed in a safe and supportive environment, receive the necessary medical exams, and have access to mental health therapy. The center focuses on providing a holistic healing experience for the child and their family.

With April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Children’s Safety Center has a bunch of things lined up to raise awareness and support their cause. They’re first initiative is called “Pinwheels for Prevention” where they place signs and pinwheels all over Washington County to raise awareness about their hotline number and the vital message to report child abuse if suspected. They’re calling on local businesses, organizations, and individuals to join in the cause by putting up signs and pinwheels at high-traffic areas throughout the county. Purchase your own pinwheel here!

They’re also launching a fundraiser event, an evening of wine tasting at Urban Cellar Winery in Fayetteville from 4 to 6 PM on April 4, featuring their very own wine! A sauvignon blanc with a label featuring handprints and a story about how the purchase of this wine helps support the Children’s Safety Center and the kids they serve.

Another great event is Wear Blue Day on April 5th. It’s an opportunity for everyone to show their support by wearing blue, which is the color for child abuse prevention and awareness. You can even get cool merch from their website here to rock the blue and show your solidarity! Furthermore, on April 16, they’re having an open house at their beautiful new building on Jean George Boulevard in Springdale where everyone can drop in and experience a walkthrough of the new facility, and learn about how they can help. For more about the open house, click here!

The Children’s Safety Center is also hosting its first open-to-the-community prevention training on April 23, where people can learn about ways to prevent child abuse and be more aware of the signs. Additionally throughout the month of April, the center is partnering with local businesses for “Shop Small, Help Kids” where you can check their calendar and see how local businesses are collaborating to support the cause, including special items and percentage of sales benefiting the Children’s Safety Center.

Lastly, Emily and Sydney also shared an amazing and simple idea on how parents can involve their kids in raising awareness without it being too heavy of a subject, and suggested talking to kids about body safety and the correct names for body parts from an early age. Plus, getting kids involved in activities like putting up pinwheels, checking their needs list or touring the facility to understand the impact of their involvement. Learn more about how you can be involved here!

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For more educational videos and resources that can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy, check out our YouTube Channel! Make sure you subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications when we drop our latest videos!

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In our most recent installment of PDAO Team Talk, Amy Morgan sat down with Dr. Jonathan Billings, the newest member of the PDAO family. Dr. Jon shared his personal journey and his aspirations as a pediatric dentist, shedding light on the importance of creating a warm and welcoming experience for young patients!

Dr. Jon’s journey into pediatric dentistry began with a childhood experience at his own dentist’s office. He recounts how his dentist, through a calm and collected approach, instilled confidence in him, transforming his anxious feelings into a positive and enjoyable experience. This early encounter fueled Dr. Jon’s passion for dentistry, leading him to pursue a career where he could make a difference in children’s lives.

Moreover, Dr. Jon emphasized the significance of instilling a love for dental care in children! He expressed his desire for every child to feel calm, comfortable, and excited about visiting the dentist, encouraging parents to share these sentiments with others. Amy and Dr. Jon also touched upon the impact of effective communication in pediatric dentistry. They spoke about the value of educating both children and parents about proper oral health care practices, aiming to alleviate fears and create a supportive environment. 

Moving beyond his journey to become a dentist, Dr. Jon also talked about his personal life, discussing his family—his wife, Tess, and their fourteen month old daughter, Abigail—and their recent move to Northwest Arkansas and about how he is excited to create a positive impact in the community and build lasting relationships with patients and their families! 

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For more educational videos and resources that can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy, check out our YouTube Channel! Make sure you subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications when we drop our latest videos!

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Have you ever missed a dental appointment? If so, you’re not alone! Life happens, right? But at PDAO we have a high standard of care and we want to make sure you understand just how crucial it is to keep those appointments.

If you miss your appointment, the first step is to get in touch with us to reschedule. We will always do our best to accommodate you, however we cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide an appointment that will be during the time that you’d like as our priority is getting you or your child back in our office as quickly as possible. We do not want to delay any type of preventative care such as cleanings or treatments because missing regular preventative care appointments can lead to setbacks. 

The golden rule? Stick to a six-month schedule. If you miss a cleaning, you might have to wait a month or two to get back in, which can present issues in upkeeping with you or your child’s oral health, and you could even lose part of your insurance benefits. Furthermore, if you miss a filling, crown, or extraction appointment, it’s crucial to reschedule quickly. Delayed treatment can lead to more severe issues like larger cavities, decay, and even abscessed teeth. 

Ultimately, we care deeply about your oral health! That’s why we try our best to avoid enforcing a missed appointment policy, which could lead to you being dismissed from the practice after three or more misses. We’re invested in creating a great oral health care plan for you and your family, and that includes making it to your appointments. Again, we understand that life can be unpredictable, but keeping up with your dental appointments is part of taking care of yourself and your family!

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For more educational videos and resources that can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy, check out our YouTube Channel! Make sure you subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications when we drop our latest videos!

The post What to Do If You Missed Your Appointment appeared first on Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics.

This week, Amy Morgan dives into the details of orthodontic insurance benefits, shedding light on why some patients may be referred to other orthodontists. She explains the scoring system used to determine eligibility for orthodontic coverage under various insurance plans, and she discusses the options available to patients who may not meet the scoring threshold while emphasizing the flexibility for those wanting to continue their orthodontic care with PDAO. 

First, we want to clarify that if we are having to refer you or your child to another location, this is because PDAO as a practice has reached our capacity for your insurance. Meaning, as far as our orthodontic department goes, we no longer have the room or the availability to accept any other patients identified under your insurance plan. As a result, because we feel strongly that kids should be able to utilize their dental insurance plan and we want you to get the most out of your benefits, we will then refer you to another orthodontist office in our surrounding area that we believe provides excellent care.

Now, when it comes to insurance, whether you’re under Delta Dental, Smiles, MCNA, or the ARKids Plan, the orthodontic benefits are very similar and the system with which you are approved or denied is the same, however Arkansas state insurances only cover orthodontics if it’s considered medically necessary. And this is determined with a scoring system that takes into account things like crowding, crossbites, or missing teeth. 

To break it down further, if we have referred you to another practice, once you make contact with them, they will schedule a consultation where they will most likely take some x-rays and photos and then their orthodontist will do an examination to document any crowding, crossbites, missing teeth, etc. What is revealed in this examination will determine you or your child’s ranking on the scoring system and you have to meet a certain threshold in order for them to then send you or your child’s treatment plan in for approval. If you meet the threshold, the orthodontist will send in your information for approval and they will contact you to let you know if you were approved or denied.

If you do not meet the scoring threshold, most likely what will happen is that the referred practice will talk with you about what treatment they think is necessary and present you with a treatment plan and what that treatment plan would cost if you chose to receive that care from their orthodontist. If you ultimately decide to pay out-of-pocket for the referred office’s treatment plan, that choice is completely up to you! However, if you decide that you’d like to decline their treatment plan and continue with collaborative care at PDAO where you have all your dental checkups, fillings, etc., then let us know and we’d love to schedule a consultation with you and present a treatment plan from one of our in-house orthodontists. 

We want to reiterate that just because we are referring you to another practice in order to have the scoring system and use your insurance benefits, DOES NOT mean you cannot return to PDAO. The biggest reason we are referring you to another office is because we want you to get the absolute most out of the dental benefits that are provided for you or your child! 

Find More Resources

For more educational videos and resources that can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy, check out our YouTube Channel! Make sure you subscribe and click the bell to receive notifications when we drop our latest videos!

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