Welcome, New Patients!
We are delighted to welcome you to BabyTooth. Our mission is to provide high-quality pediatric dental care while creating a positive experience for every child. We focus on comfort, trust, and prevention so kids can feel confident visiting the dentist
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Learning about your child
Your child’s first visit is about connection and understanding. We will talk about their medical history, dental concerns, past experiences, nutrition, and home care routines. Even if they have seen another dentist before, we complete a full exam and may take X-rays to get the best picture of their oral health.
Building trust and comfort
The first appointment is designed to be low-stress. We focus on helping your child feel safe in the dental chair and on earning their trust. Sometimes this means waiting until the second visit before beginning treatment.
Reviewing treatment options
At the end of the visit, we will share our findings and outline a treatment plan if one is needed. We will explain options in plain language, provide a clear estimate of costs, and answer any questions you may have about treatment and insurance.
Parents as partners
We ask that a parent or legal guardian come to the first appointment. This allows us to review medical history, discuss treatment decisions, and make sure everyone feels informed. Please bring your child’s insurance information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Appointment Policies
Will you see us if we arrive late?
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early so your child can be seated on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, we may need to reschedule.
Appointments are reserved for each child so our team can be fully prepared. We make every effort to stay on schedule, but please know that pediatric care can be unpredictable. If another child needs extra time, we give it, just as we would for your child if needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for two business days’ notice if you need to reschedule so we can offer the time to another child. A cancellation fee may apply if an appointment is missed or canceled with less notice.
What if my child or I am feeling unwell?
If your child or anyone in your household is showing symptoms of illness, please call us to reschedule. This helps keep our patients and team safe.
Do parents need to stay during the appointment?
Yes. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the first visit and remain in the office during treatment. For children under 10, we ask that you stay in the building. Siblings should not be left unattended in the waiting area.
Can I eat, drink, or use my phone in the office?
Please avoid bringing food or drinks into the office. Many of our patients cannot eat or drink before or after treatment, and we want to keep treatment areas clean. Phones should be silenced, as calls and conversations can be distracting for kids during care.
Referred Patients
Why was my child referred to BabyTooth?
Dr. Kari is a specialist with two years of additional training after dental school to become a pediatric dentist. A big part of pediatric dentistry is helping children cooperate during treatments they may not want. Dr. Kari uses a range of approaches, including behavior management techniques, sedation, and when necessary, general anesthesia.
What happens at the first visit?
The first appointment is about getting to know your child, building trust, and reviewing their dental and medical history. We may wait until the second visit to begin treatment. At the end of the first appointment, we will discuss a treatment plan, provide clear cost estimates, and answer your questions. Please bring your child’s insurance information.
How soon can we book an appointment?
We aim to schedule first visits within two weeks of receiving a referral. Because we are a specialty office serving many dentists across Calgary, availability may vary.
What if my child is in pain?
Your family dentist can often prescribe antibiotics for an abscess or place a temporary filling for pain relief. Once your child has had their first appointment with us, we will manage any future emergencies or urgent care needs.
What should I do if my child is being referred for trauma?
Have your dentist call us ASAP. If it is after-hours, your dentist will determine if it is necessary to call Dr. Kari’s mobile number for her to come in for an emergency appointment.
Billing and Insurance
When is payment due?
Payment is due on the day of your child’s appointment. We accept debit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, e-transfer, and cash. If your child needs further treatment (like fillings for cavities), a treatment plan will be discussed with you prior to proceeding and we will provide clear cost estimates on the work to be done so there are no surprises. We will not bill you until after the treatment plan has been agreed upon and treatment has started.
Do you offer direct billing?
We are a non-assignment office. This means we do not direct bill your insurance; you pay for the care your child receives. Our team provides clear estimates before any treatment and will happily help with insurance questions or claim submissions whenever possible. We do make an exception for families with Alberta Child Health Benefit, and bill them directly.
