Preparing For Your First Appointment with Cumberland Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Thank you for choosing Cumberland Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics!

We are excited to have you as a new patient! Why are we different? We specialize in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under the same roof! Kids actually look forward to seeing us because we make trips to the dentist so fun! It’s our mission to not only provide excellent dental care for our patients but to also teach them how to take care of their teeth. From our family to yours, welcome!

What Do I Bring With Me?

• If the patient has previously seen another dentist in the past year, please bring dental x-rays and records.
• The patient’s medical and dental history info, including a list of medications the patient has been taking.
• If the patient is under 18 years old, then a parent or legal guardian must bring him or her to the appointment.
• If this is the first appointment with CPDO, then please bring your government-issued ID.

What Forms Will I Need to Fill Out?

All new and existing patients will be asked to complete their checkin paperwork before the appointment. All forms will be available digitally so that they can be completed from your computer or phone. After making your appointment, a link should be sent to your phone via text message.

• Patient Info: The patient info form covers basic information like name, address, and social security number. Why do we need this? Some dental Insurance companies need this information to pay for your insurance claims.
• Medical History: Dental health affects your overall health. We need this information updated every six months to help provide the best care and safety for the child. We review the patient’s medical history before every each and procedure. It also provides safety when prescribing medications and anesthesia. Having accurate information helps ensure your child gets the correct dosage, so please be honest when filling out the medical history form.
• HIPAA Authorization Form: The safety and protection of all of our patients’ information is important to us. The patient’s legal guardian will need to complete this form. This allows you to name other authorized persons who would be granted permission to receive information regarding the patient’s dental care with us. This could be a parent, other responsible family members, a pediatrician, and more. We will have you update this at every visit.
• Receipt of Privacy Practices: All patients will receive CPDO’s Privacy Practices at their first visit with us. A confirmation of receipt is required.
• Photo Likeness Consent: This optional form allows us to capture photos and/or videos of your child in the office and use those photos for our marketing and social media channels. You will only need to be complete this at the patient’s first visit.
• Treatment and Financial Agreement: We ask patients to read and sign our policies regarding the payment process and dental treatment that the patient may be receiving. This is to avoid any penalties or misunderstandings. For more information about our payment and insurance policies, click here. You will only need to complete this form once.
• Pictures of Dental Insurance Card and Driver’s License: We ask for your dental insurance card so that we can have all of that information on hand while filing and verifying insurance. We ask for your driver’s license so we can verify who brings your child to their dental appointments and for his or her safety.
• Photo of the Patient: We capture a photo of your child to insure we always match the patient’s picture to the chart! This is an extra safety measure and excellent way to stay efficient. We will never use this photo for marketing purposes.

You can get a jumpstart on completing your forms, so that they are complete before your appointment time. Head here to find our checkin paperwork.

How are You Protecting My Family from COVID-19?

We at Cumberland Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics have always prided ourselves in providing dental care to our patients in the most hygienic environment possible.

We are implementing new protocols in all of our clinics effective immediately. These new procedures were developed under the guidance of many reputable health agencies and organizations, including the CDC, OSHA, the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Orthodontics, the Tennessee Dental Association, and more.

You can read more about all the new policies in response to COVID-19 here.

What is Your New Check-in Process? 

• We require all patients to complete a short COVID-19 assessment before their appointment. Once the patient has completed the assessment, we will determine whether the patient can be seen or will need to reschedule to a later date.
• Patients will not be allowed to enter the clinic to check in for their appointments. You must remain in your vehicle and call the office once you arrive in the parking lot in order to check in.
• We only allow the patient in the clinic. Under special circumstances, we will allow a parent or legal guardian only into the clinic with the patient .  These may include accompanying young children, children with special needs, patients that are being sedated, etc.  We also ask that you do not bring along any friends or family members to the appointment.
• A team member will meet you at your vehicle to conduct a temperature check before a patient is allowed inside the clinic. If the temperature is in our established normal range, the patient will be allowed in the clinic.

How Can I Prepare my Child for Their First Visit?

• Give your little one a quick and fun overview on what to expect. For example, “You are going to love the dentist Johnny! First, we will wait in the car until they call us to come in for our appointment, then a team member will take your temperature with a magic thermometer and walk you to the back where you will watch tv on the ceiling! Then a team member will brush your teeth with a spinny brush and the doctor will check your teeth with a mirror! Can you be really good for all my dental friends?”
• Always have a great attitude about the dentist and let your kids know how fun their visit will be.
• Never let your children know that you have a fear of the dentist and please try not to tell them stories of bad experiences you may have had.

What Should I Expect at My First Visit?

• First, we ask about our child’s medical history, oral history, oral habits and diet. Oral habits will include thumb sucking and pacifier usage. We also discuss diet and how diet can impact oral health.
• Next, we will take x-rays if needed and if your child is of age. The only way we can see cavities in between the teeth is by x-rays. Note that we walk your children through every step and procedure to help them stay in the know and feel more comfortable.
• Then, we start the cleaning by brushing with our prophy angle. We call it our spinny toothbrush! We have your child pick out their favorite fluoride toothpaste flavor. After a rinse and suction with Mr. Thirsty, we finish with flossing!
• Then we ask if you have any questions for the doctor and go over how to brush and floss. We talk about the importance of brushing twice a day and how flossing can prevent cavities in between the teeth. We talk about diet and how it can impact oral health. Your little one will also learn how to properly brush and floss so they have all the tools and education to take care of their teeth at home.
• Then we perform the examination. This exam is thorough and far less intense than an adult exam. If your child is 3 and under then we will do a lap to lap exam to help your child feel more comfortable.
• The doctor will answer all the questions you have and go over treatment options.

Please feel free to reach out to our dental team if you have any questions or concerns. We are all here to provide quality and safe dental care for your loved ones.