Pediatric Dentistry

Services and Treatment

The Pediatric Dental Clinic provides affordable, comprehensive dental services for children that help:

• Improve your child's smile and appearance
• Prevent cavities/tooth decay and gum disease
• Improve overall oral health

Dental Services for Children and Adolescents:

• Comprehensive oral evaluation
• Assessment of risk for tooth decay
• Teeth cleaning
• Fluoride treatments
• Restorative treatment
• Sealants
• Space maintainers (to save space for adult teeth)

Additional Services:

• Emergency dental care
• Sedation (if needed to help children relax)
• General anesthesia (if needed for more extensive dental treatment in a hospital setting)

Fees, Insurance, and Payment Plans

• Patients customarily pay for their treatment at each visit unless we have made alternate arrangements with you.
• For specific payment arrangements, you will be directed to one of our Business Managers.
• Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card
• Maryland Healthy Smiles patients must have valid coverage at each appointment; valid membership will be checked at every appointment
• As a patient of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, you are entitled to a complete treatment plan that includes your expected cost for care.
• Please be sure that you are clear on your financial responsibilities before beginning any dental treatment. You will be expected to demonstrate this awareness by placing your signature on your individual treatment plan.
• For those patients who do have insurance information on record we will submit claims to your insurance carrier, as a courtesy to you, so that you are able to achieve the maximum reimbursement that you are entitled to.
• Please keep in mind that insurance companies do not guarantee payment for services, therefore, the full balance for your treatment costs are ultimately your responsibility.
• Any insurance payments that we do receive will be applied to your account balance.
• Your insurance information will be checked at each appointment to ensure coverage.
• We do not accept any HMOs at the school of dentistry.

Hours of Operation

• Receptionists are available to assist you 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Appointment times may vary depending on your provider's schedule
• Clinics are open year-round, but closed weekends, holidays, and during student/resident vacations
• Hours may vary due to special circumstances
• To schedule an appointment please call 410-706-4213

After-hours emergencies for children:

• Contact the University of Maryland Hospital Emergency Clinic at 410-328-6335

Your Child's Appointment

Please bring the following to all appointments:

• Dental insurance card and photo identification - we accept Maryland Healthy Smiles
• Current dental X-rays (if available)
• List of your child's current medications and dosages and any important information about their medical history
• Your child's primary care physician's name, address, and phone number
• Emergency contact's name and phone number
• If you do not speak English and need an interpreter, please bring someone to assist you
• A parent or legal guardian MUST accompany the child and stay for all appointments

Starting Early is Important

• It is very important to protect primary or "baby" teeth
• Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, speak clearly, and have a happy smile
• To prevent dental problems, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that a baby's first oral exam should be no later than his/her first birthday