Creating a stress-free environment is a priority for the practice. This starts with the first point of contact, ensuring that both children and their parents feel comfortable. The team is trained to communicate effectively with children, using age-appropriate language and techniques. The office itself also plays a role.
“We know how to scale things for children appropriately and how to explain things to them appropriately,” co-owner Dr. Kenny Havard said. “We have a warm, welcoming office with a really cool playroom. We're fortunate to have a great team of staff who all have hearts for kids.”
Understanding that some patients require additional support, the practice offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide and general anesthesia. The owners emphasized their commitment to ensuring access to these options, as it is a rarity in pediatric dentistry.
“We do different types of sedation,” Dr. Havard said. “[Mild sedation] helps to keep patients’ experiences positive so that the noises and the sensations are less threatening. [For patients who have] extreme anxiety, extensive needs or special health care needs, we’re able to treat them under general anesthesia via the care of an anesthesiologist. We're super fortunate to have that.”
Technology plays a key role in the practice's operations, utilizing digital X-rays to reduce radiation exposure and 3D scanners for creating retainers and expanders. Treatment rooms are equipped with TVs to provide entertainment and distraction for young patients.
Patient education is another cornerstone of their approach. The team takes time to thoroughly explain treatment options to parents, involving them in the decision making process.
“We make sure that we dedicate time to sit down with the parents and review all options. The patient’s teeth may say one thing, but that doesn't mean it's the right thing for them or the family at that time,” co-owner Dr. Travis Hildebrand said. “We realize that we're one piece of the puzzle, and there are more important things to some people than just teeth.”
Understanding that health care costs can be a concern, the practice offers several financing options and works with many insurance providers. One option is their in-house payment plan, utilized for high-cost services, where the payment is split into monthly fees.
“We know that health care is expensive. It's not getting any cheaper, and we want to be mindful of that,” Dr. Havard said.
To streamline care for patients, the practice uses a multi-specialty model that allows for collaboration between pediatric dentists, orthodontists and oral surgeons.
“We work with our oral surgeon or orthodontist behind the scenes in planning so we can be as efficient in their appointments as possible,” Dr. Hildebrand said.
They also utilize virtual consultations to accommodate busy schedules.
Reflecting on the most rewarding aspect of their work, they mentioned watching their patients grow up, and they recounted stories of those who have made significant progress over the years.
“We have a patient who is in his 20s now,” Dr. Havard said. “He has mid-functioning autism. As a 5 or 6-year-old, we couldn't even get him in the office. He would scream, and we couldn't look at his teeth. I see him now for regular, routine visits. He just cruises in here, and he knows everybody.”
Looking to the future, the practice aims to continue growing alongside Georgetown, taking steps to expand its services and bring in additional providers to meet the increasing demand.
To schedule an appointment with this compassionate team, call 512-817-3577, email [email protected] or visit their website today.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
