Be Prepared when you go: a checklist

Whether this is your or your child’s first visits to a dental provider, you are trying a new dental provider or new coverage or seeing the same dentist you will need to prepare for your visit. Keep in mind that children may need a little more preparation before going to the dentists.

For parents/caregivers of children, here are some things that you can do:

Take the Fear Out

For many children going to dentists can be an unfamiliar and sometimes a scary experience. You can help create a sense of safety around your visit to the dentist. Here are a few tips:

Explain. Talk your child about your upcoming dental visit. Do not include too many details and keep it positive. Frame the visit as a new adventure! The children should know what to expect. For example, you can say that the dentists will check their smile and count their teeth. Avoid negative words such ‘hurt’ or ‘shot’ and instead use phrases such as ‘strong teeth’ and ‘happy smile.’
Play pretend. Pretend play can be a great way to help decrease any fear your child might have about going to the dentist. You can play the dentist and your child can play the patient. Illustrate how the dentists might check the teeth and mouth. Have your child practice opening their mouth and counting their teeth. Then let your child play the dentist.
Learn online. Read a book together or watch child-friendly videos on the internet about going to the dentist and what to expect.
Meet the dentist. If the dental office allows and the dentists agrees, schedule a meet-and-greet with the dentist. By bringing your child to meet the dentist before their dental appointment, you give them a chance to feel more comfortable with the dentist and remove the idea of the dentist being a ‘stranger.’ Sometimes dental offices also allow the children to walk around the office and ask questions. Ask the dental office about scheduling a meet and greet when you schedule your child’s dental appointment.

Dental Visit Checklist

You need to prepare and bring a few things with you to the appointment. Use this checklist to get everything and everyone ready. You can also print the same checklist here.

Before you go:

Take the fear out: If you are taking your child to the dentist, help them overcome their fear of the dentist and ease their anxiety (see above).
Gather Medicaid or dental insurance information and your identification information.
Fill out all forms in advance or any additional information required by the dental office. For parent of a child with special health care needs, fill out our special needs pre-visit questionnaire and deliver a physical copy to the dental office before your appointment date. This information will help the dental team prepare to make the dental visit as comfortable as possible for your child.
If you are seeing a new dentist, submit a record transfer authorization request and retain a copy of your dental records for yourself (refer to step 4 of this section)
If you, your child, or another individual needs special accommodations, you should discuss these with the office when you make the appointment to ensure that the office can provide the appropriate accommodations. Don’t forget to drop off the special need’s pre-visit questionnaire before the appointment to provide the office with more information.
Write down a list of current medications, allergies, and medical conditions.
Review and understand your rights before you go.
Write down a list of the questions or concerns that you may have. Don’t be shy and speak up. If your dentist says something that you don’t understand, ask follow-up questions.

During your visit:

Arrive 15 minutes early. If you are running late to your appointment, call the office and let them know. Some office policies require that the appointment is cancelled if the patient is 15 or more than minutes late.
Bring Medicaid or dental insurance information.
Bring identification information.
Bring dental records.
Bring a list of current medications.
Bring a list of allergies and medical conditions.

DID YOU KNOW?

You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and receive quick and useful response to your questions and requests.
Refer to the Get Informed on Patient Rights section of this toolkit to learn more about you and your child’s rights.

Before you leave the office:

If you are happy with the care that you’ve received and you want to continue with this provider, ask to schedule your next preventive care visits (usually 6 month out) before you leave the office. Ask the office to send you a reminder via email, text or have it written down on a piece of a paper, office/provider business card or this checklist.

Have the following questions answered:

How is my/my child’s dental health?
What can I do to stay healthy? How can I help my child stay healthy?
Do I/my child need additional dental care (referral to a specialist or a follow-up) outside the routine 6 months visit?
If additional care is needed, ask about the treatment options covered by Medicaid.
If a specialist visit is needed for additional dental care, ask for the location and how to schedule the appointment. Is referral needed? Is the specialist covered by Medicaid?
If additional medications are needed, when and how much to take? Are there any side effects? Is it covered by Medicaid? Are there cheaper options?
What to do if you have additional questions when you are home? Ask the dentist/office for reading materials to take home.

WRITE IT DOWN

During the appointment write down important information about the diagnosis, treatment options, follow-up care, medications, and other important information. Use a notebook to record all of your notes instead of a random piece of paper which can be easily lost. Use the notebook at home to write down any follow-up questions you might have for the dentist, symptoms, or other important information. As the dentist or staff is answering your question, write down their answers.