How can we help you?
It's important for you to understand your dental care. We believe patients who are educated and informed about their oral health are not only more at ease during their treatment, but also take their dental care more seriously at home. Let our experts work with you to find the best options for treatment, and for continued health after your procedure. We hope to be your partner in finding the best options for oral health for you and your family.
Dental work is often a source of anxiety for people, but it doesn't have to be! Our team will take the time to ensure that you are familiar with preparing and following up with your procedure. Remember- there's no silly question that you could ask us!
We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions here to help you become more informed about our practice and our services. Feel free to browse through these questions to see if we've answered yours, and give us a call if anything is left unanswered at (703) 793-0291. Our expert team is always happy to address any concerns that you have about any of our procedures and therapies.
Pediatric Dentistry
Looking for a dentist who takes Medicaid can come with a worry that has nothing to do with teeth. Will the office treat you differently once they see how you're paying? It's a fair question to carry into a search, and it deserves a straight answer before you ever pick up the phone. Here's what Virginia's Medicaid dental coverage actually includes and what a visit here looks like once you walk in.
Understanding Virginia Medicaid Dental Benefits
Virginia Medicaid provides dental benefits for eligible children and adults through Cardinal Care Smiles, also commonly known as Smiles for Children. Depending on your coverage and eligibility, benefits may include preventive care such as exams and cleanings as well as treatment such as fillings and other necessary dental services.
Because benefits can differ based on age, eligibility, and the type of treatment needed, you don't need to sort through the details yourself before making an appointment. Give our office a call with your information, and our team can help verify your dental benefits and explain what may be covered before your visit.
Good Care Doesn't Depend on How You Pay for It
Some people expect a Medicaid-accepting office to feel rushed, or to treat Medicaid patients as a lower priority than everyone else. That's not how we see it here. Dr. Ahmad's whole approach is built around explaining every step and never pushing treatment a patient doesn't need, and that doesn't change based on which card is on file. Families on Medicaid and Smiles for Children get the same unhurried exam and the same plain-language explanation as anyone else. We'll explain any recommended treatment and answer your questions so you understand your options before moving forward.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
A little preparation makes the first appointment faster. Bring a photo ID, your Medicaid or Smiles for Children card, and any referral paperwork if your plan requires one. If your child is the patient, bring their Medicaid card along with your own ID as the parent or guardian. None of this needs to be perfect. Not sure what you need? Call us before your appointment and our team will let you know what information to have ready.
Call Us Before Your Visit and We'll Help You Check
Medicaid dental coverage can vary depending on your age, eligibility, and specific benefits, and you shouldn't have to figure all of that out on your own. If you're looking for a Medicaid dentist in the Herndon, Reston, or Sterling area, give our office a call. Our team can check your coverage, help you understand your dental benefits, and let you know what to expect before you schedule your visit.
It's a question we handle regularly, so don't hesitate to call, even if you're not sure exactly what type of Medicaid dental coverage you have. We'll help you figure it out.
You're Welcome Here However You Pay
If you have Virginia Medicaid or Smiles for Children and aren't sure about your dental benefits, give our Herndon office a call. Our team will be happy to check your coverage and help you get started. We keep Saturday hours, we see the whole family, and Medicaid and Smiles for Children patients are simply patients here, not a separate tier of care.
Request an Appointment when you're ready.
Call (703) 793-0076 to confirm your specific Medicaid or Smiles for Children plan before you come in. We're glad to check for you.
Starting your child off right with the dentist is important. We recommend your child's first “well-baby” dental exam as soon as their first tooth grows in or no later than one year of age. Starting dental visits at a young age not only helps prevent dental caries in baby teeth but also teaches your child that a trip to the dentist is nothing to be afraid of.
Cavities in toddlers are becoming more prevalent, and it's important to treat these cavities, even in baby teeth. Untreated cavities can not only lead to pain, discomfort, and swelling, but baby teeth also serve important functions in ensuring your child's permanent teeth grow in properly.
If a baby tooth is lost early and the space is not maintained, permanent teeth can grow in improperly, resulting in crowded teeth, uneven gaps, and crooked teeth. Once the permanent teeth come in, the only way to fix these problems is through orthodontic treatment.
Many adults with a fear of dentists developed this fear as children. Keeping a positive attitude about the dentist, talking about good dental health with your kids, and creating a friendly relationship between your children and our dental staff will all help keep the chances of fear of the dentist from following them into adulthood. Dr. Ahmad also uses the "tell, show, do" method when performing dental procedures, helping your child to understand what is happening and allay their fear of the unknown.
If your child has their first tooth or is a year old and has not yet seen the dentist, call today to schedule their first visit.