Why is it that dentists now require you to have two appointments before they treat you? Does anyone here know why it is necessary? My ds had a cleaning a couple of days ago and his dentist found a couple of small cavities on the xrays. He (the dentist) feels that ds would be better off having them filled at a pediatric dentist since he is such a busy boy and a ped dentist is more equip to deal with busy little boys. So we got a referal for a ped dentist and we plan to only have the cavities filled there. We will not continue to take ds there after that as we like our current dentist. So this afternoon I called to make the appointment and was told that I would have to make two, one for an exam and one for the fillings. I explained that my work commute is an hour each way and I only work 4 hours a day so two appointments would require me to miss two days of work and I asked could they please do it all in one day. I have the xrays with me and also the paperwork of what needs to be done. No, it has to be two appointments. This is the second time I have run into this with dentists and I hate it. My time is valuable and I don't have enough of it as it is so I really resent having to deal with two appointments for a couple of little cavities! I guess this is mostly a vent since I'm feeling cranky about it right now, but I would love for someone in the know to tell my why this is necessary and why it can't all be done in one appointment as it used to be back in the "olden" days of my childhood.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 06:12 pm:

I suggest you ask your dentist to either refer you to a different pediatric dentist, or can your dentist call and confer with the pediatric dentist and try to persuade him that two appointments are not necessary.

By Tayjar on Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 06:40 pm:

This happened with my kids. I asked the ped dentist if she did regular checkups and she did. It was the same price as the regular dentist so now I take them to a really cool ped dentist. She has a cave with a plasma TV in it for the parents and kids to watch movies while they wait. Once back in the exam rooms, she has pinball games, movies, air hockey, etc. She totally caters to kids. And, all for the same price as the regular dentist. Plus, if she finds a minor cavity, she will do it right then and no extra appointment. Call around and see what the ped dentists in your area do. Mine offers Saturday appointments once a month. I'd call around. I bet you find something that it more suitable to your liking.

By Vicki on Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 06:51 pm:

I had the same experience as you. Dd had a tooth that didn't form correctly, but it wasn't discovered until it develpoed a small cavity. Long story short, we were sent to a ped specialist and they had to do an appointment and then schedule the filling. I also asked why we had to be seen first and it was just stated that they see all new patients for a breif check up as well as explaining to them what will be happening at the filling appointment. She also had to get some teeth pulled for braces and we had to go see the oral surgeon for an appointment before we could set up the actual surgery.

I guess it is just like everything else. We recently had to switch primary care doctors because ours is now going to work full time at the hospital. We started calling some of the ones we are interested in and finally settled on one. They won't offically accept us as new patients until we go in for a check up. Just transfering our records to them isn't enough..... I guess everyone wants to see new patients before they do anything.

Dd also just goes there now for her regular appointments too. LOL It is a very cool place that caters to kids. It is just a hair more than our old dentist, but she is so much more comfortable there that I am willing to pay it.

By Tunnia on Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 07:30 pm:

Well, I guess it's not just in my area then, but I still don't see why it is necessary for basic, run-of-the-mill fillings. I ended up cancelling the appointments after I posted here because after talking to insurance I found out that they won't pay for the evaluation visit because it's only one exam every 6 months and he just had his cleaning. I have the name of one more ped dentist to call and if it's the same with them then I will call our regular dentist and see if he won't help with this or fill them himself. The cavities are in baby teeth for heaven's sake and if we go with the ped dentist I had made the appointment with today we will be over $200 out of pocket (and that's with insurance) for a couple of small cavities in teeth that will come out in a couple of years anyway.

By Dandjmom on Friday, March 14, 2008 - 08:46 am:

I feel thats it's so that they can get 2 co-pays. All though I have never had this problem with a dentist for my kids or myself. I've had to deal with this both times I was pregnant.In my area you call and tell them I would like to make an appointment (they ask why?) you say because I had an at home pregnancy test and it was positive. You think your going to the doctor to start your pre natal treatment, but you must have a pregnancy test and tye tall you to call in a few days for the results and if positive they will then schedule you for your first prenatal appointment.

By Amecmom on Friday, March 14, 2008 - 09:51 pm:

Most dentists and docs are very busy and schedule just so much time for one patient visit. A visit that entails a complete initial examination and a procedure is too long for the doc and for the child.
Ame