Pediatric Dentistry Office Info
Seaside Smiles Office Hours
We are open from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M Monday through Friday and closed for lunch from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Appointment Scheduling
The office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience and when time is available. Preschool children should be seen in the morning because they are fresher and we can work more slowly with the child for their comfort. School children with a lot of work to be done should be seen in the morning for the same reason. Dental appointments are an excused absence. Missing school can be kept to a minimum when regular dental care is continued.
Since appointment times are reserved exclusively for each patient we ask that you please notify our office 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time if you are unable to keep your appointment. Another patient who needs our care could be scheduled if we have sufficient time to notify them. We realize that unexpected things can happen, but we ask for your assistance in this regard.
Your Child's First Visit
Dr. Chelsea and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, AAPD, recommend that your child visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday! You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that Dr. Chelsea and her staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better. It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.
Download our New Patient Packet here. Please read through and fill out these forms carefully and bring them with you to your child's first appointment.
What about Finances?
We ask that you pay for office visits and treatment at the time the service is rendered. We accept most credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express), cash, checks or debit for your convenience. If you anticipate a problem in paying for services, please discuss this (in person)in advance with our receptionist, as we offer a possible financing option which is Care Credit.
Seaside Smiles' Office Policy regarding Dental Insurance
Dr. Chelsea is a provider for these PPO insurances Aetna, Ameritas, Assurant,Cigna,Humana,Delta Dental, Florida Combined Life PPO, Dentemax,Guardian, Metlife, Principal, and United Healthcare. For these insurances we will be considered as an in-network provider.
In the event we are not a provider for your insurance we may be able to file your insurance claims as an out-of-network provider for you.
In both instances you will need to be prepared to pay any amount that is determined not payable by your insurance plan, such as deductibles and percentages, or procedures not covered under your plan.
Do I stay with My Child during the Visit?
We invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination. During future appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our pediatric dental staff through the dental experience. We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child's confidence and overcome apprehension. However, if you choose, you may come with your child to the treatment room. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.
At Seaside Smiles, we are highly experienced in helping children overcome anxiety. Separation anxiety is not uncommon in children, so please try not to be concerned if your child exhibits some negative behavior. This is normal and will soon diminish. Studies and experience have shown that most children over the age of 3 react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on their own and in an environment designed for children.
