Appointment Policy
Our team attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience when time is available. Younger children (especially those under five years) should be seen in the early morning when they are fresher and can be given more time for their comfort. School children that have many needs may benefit from early appointments as well. Dental appointments should be considered an excused absence and we are always happy to provide a school excuse. With regular dental care, absences from school can be minimized.

Appointment times are reserved exclusively for each patient and we ask that you notify our office at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time if you are unable to keep your appointment. With this courtesy, another patient who needs our care can be scheduled if sufficient time is given. We recognize that there can be unexpected events, but do appreciate your assistance in this manner and will evaluate each situation individually to reduce the need for last minute change fees to your account. While we provide courtesy visit reminders, you are responsible for keeping your appointment time and updating us if anything changes.

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Treatment Plan Overview

After identifying your child's needs you will be given a Treatment Plan that outlines each treatment, overall estimated cost for that treatment, and the estimated payment expected from the parent and from the insurance company. You will be asked to sign this document. Signing this document ONLY acknowledges you received it. It is NOT a commitment to treat. If there are alternate options, we will happily provide you information regarding each option as appropriate. 

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Radiography (X-ray) Overview

Our office follows the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's (AAPD) radiographic examination guidelines. We require all patients to take x-rays at intervals determined by the child's individual risk of caries, to rule out pathology, and per the AAPD guidelines. To ensure your child is exposed to as little radiation as possible, our office uses digital x-ray units. We only take radiographs as required and accept diagnostic radiographs from other providers to reduce radiation. 

 

If you are not comfortable with your child taking dental x-rays under any circumstance, then Southwest Kids Dentistry is not a good choice for your child's dental home and we encourage you to find a dental home that fits your needs better.

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Patient privacy concerns
We recognize that each child responds differently to unique environments. We invite you to stay with your child for the first visit, but some children enjoy the independence of coming to the dental chair by themselves and building a relationship with our team one-on-one. For the safety and privacy of all patients, children not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.

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Family Happiness Policy

We believe life is too short to involve yourself with people that make you unhappy. While Southwest Kids Dentistry is a great fit for most families, we also know we cannot be everyone's dentist. There are many dental care providers in the Tucson area. We all do things a little bit differently. We all benefit when families choose the clinic and dentist that is the best fit form them even if that clinic is not our clinic. If you are unhappy with the quality of care, our policies, or anything else related your experience at our office please let us know. We will be happy to help resolve the issue and/or help you find a clinic that better suits your needs and expectations.​

If we feel we are not a good fit for your family we reserve the right to end our patient-healthcare provider relationship as well.

We Are On Your Team Overview
We are your on your team in overcoming problems related to dental treatment. Having good communication and discussing your expectations before treatment will help reduce these problems. Realistic expectations are also important for the visit, and this can reduce anxiety and stress for parents. When problems arise, however, we expect to be treated like we are part of your team  in solving problems and not your enemy. We can not help solve problems when we are being attacked. If a parent displays violent or aggressive behavior, we will dismiss parents from the practice for behavior-related reasons. Treating us like the enemy by being verbally abusive, displaying aggressive behavior, threatening bad reviews, hanging up the phone on us in a fit of rage, and/or just being plain mean will result in dismissal from the practice. 

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Divorce and Custody Matters

We do not participate in divorce or custody matters. If two parents cannot agree, we will ask that you mediate your disagreements regarding your child or child's care outside of the office. If you have paperwork that is pertinent to your child's custody situation, please provide it to our team in advance of any visit. Our office will not act as a financial intermediary in these matters and any split payments must be made in advance of your child's visit. The parent that brings the child to the visit will be responsible for ensuring that the financial arrangements are secured in advance of the visit.

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Financial information
Payment for professional services is due at the time dental treatment is provided. We will work hard to provide a treatment plan that fits your family’s schedule and budget that also provides your child the best care possible. We accept cash, debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, CareCredit, and most major credit cards. We are not responsible for matters regarding divorce and/or separation agreements and payment coordination should occur between all interested parties before the date of appointment.

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Dental Insurance
If we have received all of your insurance information on the day of the appointment, we will be happy to file your claim for you. We are in network with many PPO dental plans. Please understand that your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Your choices in treatment may not always coincide with your insurance benefits. Your choice in care is a decision that you will have to make after weighing all risks, benefits, and alternatives. If you have questions regarding your insurance benefits, please call your insurance carrier or employer's human resources department as these plans are highly customized and may change frequently.

 

Foster Children with AHCCCS

We are proud to serve our families with foster children. We currently accept  AHCCCS Dentaquest - Foster Care Program for children ages 0-21.

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No Dental Insurance? No problem. 
We understand that the oral health of your child comes first, no matter what your situation. Our office proudly accepts financing through CareCredit. 

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Notice of Non-Discrimination

Southwest Kids Dentistry, PLLC complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Learn more about our practices here. 

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Translation and Interpretive Assistance

We strive to help all patients feel comfortable. If you communicate in a non-English language, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you.  Call us so we may connect you with translation to communicate with us, free of charge at 520-775-1245. Learn more here.

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ATENCIÓN:  si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.  Llame al 520-775-1245. Llámenos para que podamos conectar con la traducción, de forma gratuita en 520-775-1245. Más información aquí. 

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Navajo (Dine Bizaad): Added as image due to some internet browser restrictions on text.