Showing posts with label Pediatric Dentistry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pediatric Dentistry. Show all posts

Saturday, February 04, 2012

Pediatric Dentistry’s Revolving Door

We hear a lot about the “revolving” door in Washington, but seldom does anyone talk about the revolving door within agencies and professional organizations.  The same organizations that write the rules, regulations, tests, and guidelines that effect each of us in a more personal way. The same organizations that states and lawmakers trust to protect the public from harm. Chances of corruption are 100% when there are no checks and balances.

Their Publications and Studies

Looking are various websites including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), you find publication after publication, study after study, dating as far back as the early 1990’s to the present.  Just about all of them are, rewritten and republished studies that are merely mashups of their own previous written articles and studies.

Here is just one of hundreds of examples :

Journal of Dental Education – Vol. 68, Number 1

General Dentists’ Perceptions of Educational and Treatment Issues Affecting Access to Care for Children with Special Needs. 
Written by:
Paul Casamassimo, DDS, MS;
N. Sue Seale, DDS, MS;
Kelley Ruehs, DDS

Referenced:
Casamassimo PS. The great educational experiment: has
it worked?
Spec Care Dentist 1983;3:103-6.

Seale NS, Casamassimo PS. Access to dental care for
children: profiling the general practitioner who treats
young and low-income children.
J Am Dent Assoc
2003;134:1630-40.

If you get to looking at all the professional opinions, publications, studies, and continuing education courses concerning pediatric dentistry, the same names are there over and over.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Congressman Dennis Kucinich Call Small Smiles a Dental Mill

Congressman Dennis Kucinich said Small Smiles?FORBA had found way to make money off poor children by creating dental mills to make a buck while blasting Medicaid for not doing more to improve dental care for children on mediciad.



"Medicaid Officials in Congress [02/14/08]"
-----------------------------------------
Small Smiles - Congress

A year after 12-year -old Deamonte Driver died of tooth decay, Medicaid officials were called before congress in February to explain what they've done to improve access to care for poor children.

Four out of five dentists refuse to treat Medicaid patients because reimbursement rates are so low. The congressman heading up the hearing blasted Medicaid for doing little to improve rates.

He pointed to the I-Team's reports on Small Smiles Dental clinics as an example of what can result.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich said "Small Smiles conceived of another away to make a profit: a
predatory mill where multiple, sometimes unnecessary procedures are imposed assembly line style on children for little regard for their welfare or proper dental practice."

Medicaid officials told congress today they are trying to make more dentists available for poor children, but conceded they have a long way to go.

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Small Smiles-FORBA-DeRose Update From Roberta Baskin, WJLA TV

More Damning Evidence Keep Pouring In to I-Team Investigation.

Don't forget, even though this local investigation mentions Small Smiles, they go under the Name Smile Starters Smile High, Medicaid Dental Centers, FORBA, DeRose Children's Dental Center, Small Smiles Center/Clinic of Pueblo, and others. And if you read below in my previous post, more of these Dental Offices catering to children are jumping on this same bandwagon! Beware!




February 28, 2008
Roberta Baskin, of WJLA TV, broke and continues to follow the Small Smiles Dental Abuse and Fraud Investigation. Here is the transcript of Roberta’s latest installment.
ANCHOR:

RESTRAINING CHILDREN, PERFORMING UNNECESSARY TREATMENTS, HIRING UNLICENSED XRAY TECHNICIANS... THESE ARE ALL EXAMPLES OF THE SUB-STANDARD DENTAL CARE OUR I-TEAM FOUND AT THE SMALL SMILES CLINICS IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA, AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY. WE'VE BEEN TELLING YOU HOW THE CHAIN OF CLINICS PLACES PROFIT OVER COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR MEDICAID CHILDREN. NOW ROBERTA BASKIN AND THE I-TEAM HAVE UNCOVERED MORE.... ROBERTA?
ROBERTA BASKIN:

SOME OF YOU WHO SAW OUR EARLIER REPORTS HAVE COME FORWARD WITH NEW EVIDENCE OF THE SMALL SMILES SCHEME TO BILL THE TAXPAYER-SUPPORTED MEDICAID PROGRAM FOR WORK THAT WASN'T NEEDED - OR WASN'T EVEN DONE.
STORY: Six year old Kayla Mason brushes her teeth day and night.



She's never had any cavities. That's why her mother, LaTasha Mason, was dismayed when dentists at Small Smiles in Oxon Hills said they found THREE.






LaTasha Mason-"I was like, oh my goodness, I was surprised, I really was. And they were like, well, the lady that called me back, she was like, well that's nothing compared to what we usually see."

She then had Kayla examined by a different dentist.

Mason-" And she gets up to leave and I'm like , well, what about the cavities?"

Turns out, there weren't any.


Mason-"I was really astonished, to say the least."

Mason is upset Small Smiles planned to drill into her daughter's teeth for no other reason than to profit from it.


Mason- "It's, it's just sickening." "(that's) the only thing I can think of, why they would want to drill in these baby's mouths, is for money."

Particularly upsetting is her feeling that Small Smiles lied to her.

Mason- "One maybe, that could have been an honest mistake. But
three? Absolutely not. Three is not a mistake, I'm sorry."

And when this family went to Small Smiles for a check-up, dentists saw four girls - and apparently 24 cavities.

Cheryl -" I felt like a bad mother." Cheryl assumed her children hadn't been brushing.
Roberta -"Were you in trouble?"
Rachelle -"Yes"
Cheryl -"I told them all of their teeth were going to fall out if they don't listen to me and brush their teeth. I called them "yuck mouths."
Roberta -"Yuck mouths?
Cheryl-"Yuck mouths."
Most of the work was completed, except on Rachel, who was told to come back for several more fillings. In the meantime, Rachel's mom heard about our Small Smiles investigation, and switched to Dr. Robert Camps.

Dr. Robert Camps - "I'm glad it wasn't done, because it
shouldn't have been done. Roberta -"Four fillings that she would have gotten on teeth that are perfectly fine."

Dr. Camps
-"Correct."


And that's not all. When Dr. Camps examined Rachel and her sister Rebecca, he realized - Small Smiles didn't DO all the work they charged for.

Rebecca's chart shows 8 cavities filled…but that's not what she remembered.
"I didn't see any drill or hear any drill.

Roberta -Did they numb you?

Rebecca
-"I didn't feel a numbing (or anything)."

And Dr. Robert Camps didn't see the work either. "these are not fillings." "I feel like they did more like a sealant, (where they didn't really drill into the tooth)." To be sure, Dr. Camp took x-rays.


Plea from I-Team, asking the public to keep the stories coming I, please help I-Team help the children. You are the eyes and ears! click here
ABC 7, WJLA TV is in the Washington, DC area, so all of our law makers watch this news.
Report by phone at 703-236-9559

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

WARNING: Head Start Programs To Offer Dental Care

WARNING TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN ENROLLED IN HEAD START PROGRAMS.

  • READ CONSENT FORMS CAREFULLY PRIOR TO ALLOWING ANY TREATMENT OF YOUR CHILD IN THE NEW HEAD START DENTAL PROGRAM.

  • MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT CONSENTING TO HAVING YOUR CHILD TIED UP/STRAPPED DOWN IN A RESTRAINT OF ANY KIND.


AAPD teams up with Head Start
New program will help secure dental homes for at-risk children Posted Feb. 20, 2008
By Stacie Crozier
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Head Start are teaming up to help establish dental homes for young children enrolled in Head Start.
The AAPD Head Start Dental Home Initiative will be publicly announced Feb. 28 with a press conference in Washington. The initiative will create a national network of dentists to provide dental homes for Head Start and Early Head Start children, said Dr. John S. Rutkauskas, AAPD executive director.
"AAPD and Head Start are partnering at the national, regional, state and local levels to develop a national network of dentists to link Head Start children with dental homes," said Dr. Rutkauskas. "Dental homes mean that children's oral health care is delivered by dentists to children through an ongoing relationship that is comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated and family-centered." Read the full story here.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

More Disturbing Allegations Against Small Smiles



Small Smiles is under National Investigation due to an investigation siting barbaric treatment of children in it's dental offices across the nation according to ABC-7 news.


Here is a transcript of the latest report from ABC-7 I-Team Investigation in the DC area.
Date:2-11-08



This is Brandon from N. Carolina showing off his mouthful of baby root canals capped in metal.


And Daniel from Colorado with abrasions and welts from visiting the dentist.


And Miguel from Maryland, strapped down on a papoose board while his mother is forced to wait outside.


Miguel's treatment was not an isolated case. The I-Team has learned that routine use of papoose boards in the Small Smiles network of clinics has injured and traumatized children, and may have played a role in this child's death.


At least a dozen states have launched civil or criminal investigations, many


of them prompted by our reports.


In Arizona…4 year old Jonathan strapped in restraints died from an overdose of anesthesia while this dentist performed five baby root canals.


Dr. Matthew Nolen: "No comment."


The state investigation found that Jonathan was restrained "for no justifiable reason" and his symptoms "could have been masked by the papoose board." The dentist's license was revoked.


Roberta Baskin: "Does the Small Smiles home office encourage the use of these papoose boards?


Doug Gardner: "Yes."


In New York Doug Gardner lost HIS dental license after being convicted of Medicaid fraud for double billing at a Small Smiles clinic.


Doug Gardner: "When you're throwing that much treatment at Medicaid that quickly, they can't check everything."


The I-Team tracked Gardner down to Indianapolis, where he agreed to speak out about Small Smiles practices for the first time.


Doug Gardner: "Taxpayer dollars are being wasted because they're paying for treatment that's not getting done, treatment that doesn't need to be done, and children aren't being treated like children."


This Small Smiles patient remembers being physically held down in the Rochester clinic two years ago.


Ashley Sones: "I was sweating. My whole body was shaking. It was like I was having a seizure."


Gardner says it was not uncommon.


Roberta Baskin: "How stressed out did these patients get?


Doug Gardner: "Stressed out enough to wet their pants, sweat completely through their clothes, be all wet."


Roberta Baskin: "And how are you told to manage that?


Doug Gardner: "Clean them up as best you can before you get them back to mom or dad."


That's another Small Smiles policy. Separating parents from children during dental procedures. In North Carolina Brandon's mom couldn't imagine what was taking three hours until he emerged with 16 baby root canals and steel caps.


Christy Dillbeck/Brandon's mother: "I couldn't stop crying cuz I was very upset and wanted to see him."


In Colorado, these police photos are evidence of young children bruised from restraints. Daniel had 8 teeth drilled and capped in one sitting.


Beatrice Ponce/Daniel's mother: "He just hears the word 'dentist' and he starts to cry and scream that he doesn't want to go in."


Dentists tell us baby root canals and caps may not always be the best treatment option for young patients, but DO result in the best reimbursement for Small Smiles.


Doug Gardner: "The Small Smiles way of taking care of children is to maximize every dollar that they can, during that patient visit, at all costs."


After Gardner's clinic was audited, Small Smiles paid back $444,000 in overcharges.


Gardner: "I've lost my career. I've lost my livelihood." "I'm unemployable now."


Except as an RV salesman in Indianapolis… where he can't forget the pressure from Small Smiles to break a million dollars in profits each year.


"The biggest thing you can do is those baby root canals and crowns cuz it's $220 that Medicaid does not question. ...its just 220, 220, 220, 220, 220."
-----------------------------------------------------


AS A RESULT OF OUR REPORTS, THE MARYLAND ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS LAUNCHED A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OF SMALL SMILES.


THE CURRENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY, FORBA, TOOK OVER THE CLINICS IN SEPT 2006 AND SAYS IT CAN'T BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROBLEMS THAT OCCURRED BEFORE THEN.


THEY DECLINED AN ON CAMERA INTERVIEW, BUT TELL US THEY'RE UNDERTAKING AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION IN MARYLAND AND THE DISTRICT.
At the site above you can read a couple of so called statements from the folks at FORBA. They really don't say a whole lot...other than a lot of blah blah blah. What I find most interesting is what they Do Not mentions.

Here is FORBA-Small Smiles-Kool Smiles Latest Statement...like I said... a lot of blah blah blah. I did note that the press release is from the renowned Rubin Meyer, a "marketing" and "communication" firm in Washington DC. Here is what Ruben Meyer says at their site as to exactly what they do:
Many companies face challenges from regulators and policymakers in Washington and must navigate what can be a difficult business environment. The days of the back-room deal are gone. Today it takes hard work, creativity, and a clear message to get the job done in Washington.
Maybe it's just me but I read that as "Lobbyist". What is clear is that these people at FORBA-Small Smiles-Kool Smiles whatever have some really big bucks to spend to hire these people for their press releases.
Date: 2-8-08
Don Meyer
Donald.Meyer@rubinmeyer.com
202-834-6859


STATEMENT OF FORBA DENTAL MANAGEMENT
Nashville, TN – FORBA Dental Management, management company of Small Smiles
Dental Centers, released the following statement today:
“The current executive leadership and ownership of FORBA Dental
Management, the management company of Small Smiles, has been in place
since September 2006. Since that time, our objective has been to provide highquality
dental care to children in underserved communities nationwide, and we
have taken steps to improve the policies and culture of the company to meet
that goal.
“Most recently, we have launched a number of initiatives, detailed in previous
statements to WJLA, to improve care and ensure a positive experience for
children and parents at Small Smiles Dental Centers.
“Under our management, Small Smiles’ 1,600 employees and caregivers
work tirelessly to ensure that underserved children receive the highest
quality, compassionate care at our facilities nationwide.”


They fail to address the fact that they are also called Kool Smiles in many states. At this point in time Kool Smiles are popping up on every street corner. You can do job searches and Kool Smiles are looking for employees in many states across the US. Not so many under the name Small Smiles. Wonder why that is exactly?

My hat's is off to the people at ABC-7 Investigation team. Forba has posted another great statement with general denial on the website of WJLA under the comments section, however I wonder why they keep making "statements" and won't answer some  hard questions.

  Amazing though how since this latest report has come out, there are people signing up on the comments section to basically stick up for FORBA, wonder if they might me part of the new marketing machine, ya think? Do these posters actually think people are stupid or what?

Water boarding is all over the news as to whether it's an appropriate torture for murders at Gitmo. I tell you what, I'm more concerned about "Papoose Boarding" right here stateside and this is being done to our very own children buy dentists across the US.

It certainly isn't just these dental chains who are making the news, it's your local private dentist as well.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Wake Pediatric Dentistry-Johnson City, NC

If you live in Johnson City, NC and have children who have an upcoming appointment at Wake Pediatric Dentistry, you might save your child a life of torment if you take a few minutes and check out this discussion.

Shocking and Sickening!
There are a few compliments on the dental practice, some from it's own employees, however the complaints are very very upsetting. Don't miss the first page of this discussion, nor the last one even if you don't read one word in between.

Here are a couple of reviews of Wake Pediatric Dentistry from 2006, they weren't so good either.

Like I've been trying to point out with the blog, it's not just Small Smiles, Kool Smiles and other dental care chain traumatizing our children for a buck.

There are recounts after recounts of different dentist in this area using these barbaric type of behavioral management techniques.

Here are just a few dentists names listed as Bad Apples in this particular discussion group:
Dr. Horowitz
Dr. Parrish
Dr.Swarr office in Raleigh


Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Children Dental Clinic, Does Not Mean Pediatric Dentist

Over the course of the last few days I looked into, read, reread, watched reports from news organizations across the Internet on some of these Dental Clinics designated for treating children and some even taking children on medicaid or state insured children only.

Some have sweet websites with smiling children splashed on each page and show the kid friendly decor and the happy smiling faces of the dentists and staff.

Small Smiles, Kool Smiles, Smile High, and Ocean Dental are the main clinics I've looked at in recent days.

Something I thought was a bit misleading to parents and the children treated is even though they are geared toward children, designed specifically for children does not mean they employ Pediatric Dentists or owned by Pediatric Dentists. Most I've looked at are only trained in General Dentistry.

Now I'm not saying by any means they don't have a clue about dentistry. Nor am I saying they took correspondence course to get their licenses. Many may well have attended wonderful dental colleges. I'm just saying because the clinic/office is decorated in cartoon characters doesn't mean they are Pediatric Dentists.

For example there are job ads online for Ocean Dental looking for dentists, assistants, office and administrative personnel. However, the critiria for the dentist do not ask or require them to be actual Pediatric Dentists, with the 2 extra years of training for treating children dental issues.

In their ads they never say they are Pediatric Dentists-(Pedodontist) they say something like "General Dentistry For Kids and Young Adults" so they are not breaking any laws to my knowledge.

It's just the whole set up makes you think you are getting a pediatric dentist to treat your children, so buyer beware.

It's not hard to find out if they are licensed in Pediatric Dentistry. All I had to do was check out the company sites, see the names of the dentists at different clinics or who owns the clinics and check to see if they hold a Pediatric License or a member of the AAPD. Pretty simple really. Many of them will list the dentist's name, where he/she went to school, what association he/she's a member of..etc.

I'm getting a bit off subject here though messing with this kind of information.

My complaint is "STOP STRAPPING DOWN CHILDREN FOR DENTAL CARE"




Monday, January 21, 2008

What's Going On At Ocean Dental Corporation?

I don't know exactly what is going on over at Ocean Dental Corporation, in Stillwater, OK but something has them checking out this blog pretty often in comparison to other visitors.

I have to give this some serious thought since guess what... they specialize in child dental care just like Small Smiles and Kool Smiles (check out the comments section) who have been busted for abusing and traumatizing children, using restraints and doing unnecessary dental procedures, as reported by WJLA TV in the DC area, 9News in Denver and 11Alive TV, Atlanta, Georgia respectfully.

They too are proud to announce they accept medicaid patients, which sends up red flags all over the place based on Small Smiles and Kool Smiles in my opinion. But so far, this blogger hasn't found any information on them, complaints or compliments.

Below is a list of Ocean Dental locations across the US.


Click on the address for a printable map.

City Address Zip Phone
Stillwater, OK 510 S. Duck 74074 405.377.7300
Oklahoma City, OK 1610 W. I-240 Service Rd. 73159 405.605.4900
Downtown Oklahoma City, OK 47 NE 23rd St. 73159 405.525.1222
Norman, OK 500 West Main Suite 200 73069 405-321-2349
Moore, OK 2305 S. I-35 73160 405.799.0800
Warr Acres, OK 3919 N.W. MacArthur 73122 405.787.7827
Enid, OK 913 W. Maple 73701 580.242.0300
Lawton, OK 5314 N.W. Cache Rd. 73505 580.595.9492
Shawnee, OK 4409 N. Kickapoo 74804 405.273.7077
Tulsa, OK 6801 E. Admiral Place 74115 918.836.8366
Muskogee, OK 930 A West Shawnee 74401 918.682.6060








East Cleveland, OH 8101 Euclid Ave. 44103 216.229.2500
West Cleveland, OH 3545 Ridge Road 44102 216.961.6860
Columbus, OH 3646 E. Main St. 43213 614.231.4800








Little Rock, AR 3024 S. University 72204 501.565.0606
Hot Springs, AR 221 Airport Rd., Space G 71913 501.321.4963
Fort Smith, AR 1326 S. Waldron Road 72903 479.484.0008
Jonesboro, AR 1810 E. Highland Drive, Suite B 72401 870-934-0339
Fayetteville, AR 745 E. Joyce, Suite 224 72703 TBA








Des Moines, IA 1345 E. University Avenue, #302 50316 515.264.9022








Louisville, KY 3977 7th St. Road 40216 502.447.5699








Corpus Christi, TX 1620 South Padre Island Drive, Suite 250 78416 361-853-3334








El Paso, TX 1166 N Yarbrough Drive 79925 TBA

update: Since posting this comment, there seems to be an email circulating through the company with a link to this comment, and people from Ocean Dental are this blogs best customers recently.

Still don't know what's going on over there, but something on this blog has them stirred up.

update:
Looks like Ocean Dental has contracted with Tulsa School District to bring a mobile dental truck to the schools for dental treatment of children on Medicaid:

Here is the minutes from the meeting in Sept. 2007:

Enter into a contract with Ocean Dental to provide dental services for
Medicaid-eligible students through the operation of the Ocean Dental mobile
clinic during the school year 2007-2008.
There will be no cost to the District.


FURTHER RECOMMEND the attorney for the School District prepare the
appropriate contract and the proper officers of the Board of Education be
authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the District. Contact person-
Taylor Young.


RATIONALE: These services will be available to TPS schools that enroll
30 or more students. Routine and preventive services will be performed
within the scope of the clinic. These services are available to interested
schools meeting the criteria for participation.
The mobile clinic is totally self-contained requiring no District services.
Parent/guardians must give authorization to Ocean Dental to provide these
services. Students will not be placed under anesthesia which results in them
being unconscious. Services which require complex procedures will be
performed at Ocean Dental facilities.
The mobile clinic will be staffed with a dentist, an assistant and a staff
member who escorts children to the clinic on school property. A mutually
agreed upon schedule will be developed to prevent disruption of the
educational process.




Thursday, January 17, 2008

Dental Treatment Agreement-Papoose Board Used

WARNING-Carefully Read The Insurance and Consent Form Prior To Dental Care For Your Child.

You may be consenting to strapping down your child for minor dental care.

Here is a copy of the standard paper work filled out prior to treatment I located on the Net. Note the section in red below. After reading over the paper work and it mentioned using restraints, this is one dentist I would have serious reservation about taking my child for dental care. But of course that's just me. He may be a very well trained dentist, I don't know. All I know is in his consent forms, he wants you to sign a consent to strap down your child. This is typical for way too many dentists. What I'm saying is be very careful as to what you are agreeing to have done to your child.

Welcome to Larry Caldwell, DDS
Dentistry for Children
15200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 320
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
(281) 565-5437
Fax: (281) 565-6446

Be sure to complete front and back and bring with you on your first visit. You may mail
them if you like and we can get your insurance verified before your appointment. Please
call if you have any questions.

The packet includes the following:
Welcome Form
Office Policies
Behavior Management Policy
Dental Insurance Considerations Letter
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Notice of Privacy Practices

Tell Us About Your Child
Today’s Date_______________
Name_________________
Last First MI________________
Preferred Name
Male Female (Circle One_
Child’s Birth date ___/___/___ Child’s Age_______________
School Grade_______________
Child’s Home#___________________
Child’s Home Address____________________________________
Apt/Condo#____________
City State Zip________________________________________
Who is Accompanying the Child Today?___________________________
Name_________________________
Relationship_____________________________
Do you have legal custody of this child? Yes No
Is your child adopted? Yes No
How did you hear about our office?____________________
Other family member(s) seen by us___________________________________
Parent’s Marital Status Single Widowed Married Divorced Separated (Circle One)
Primary Dental Insurance_____________________
Insurance Co. Name___________________________
Insurance Co. Address________________________
Insurance Co. Phone__________________________
Group # (Plan, Local or Policy #)__________________________
Insured’s Name___________________________________
Relationship to Patient_________________________________
Insured’s Birth date ___/___/___ SS#___________________________
Insured’s Employer__________________________
Orthodontic Coverage? Yes No

So that we may better serve you, please provide us with an email address:____________
Person Responsible for Account________________________
Name_____________________________
Billing Address____________________________
Work# Ext Home#_________________________
Employer___________________________
DL# SS#_____________________________
Name of Nearest Relative___________________________

Work# Ext Home#________________________

Mother’s Information Step-Mother Guardian
Name__________________________
Work# ________________Ext Home#_______________
Employer___________________________
Cell#_____________________ SS#_____________________
Date of Birth_________________

Father’s Information Step-Father Guardian
Name___________________________
Work# _______________Ext Home#__________________
Employer______________________________
Cell# __________________SS#____________________
Date of Birth____________________________________

We would like to welcome you and your child to our office. Our goal is to make every child’s visit pleasant and educational. Our practice is based on preventive care. We strive to teach good oral care that will enable your child to have a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Welcome
Larry Caldwell, D.D.S.
& Associates
Medical History


Has the child ever had a bad experience with dental work? Yes No
Is the child Delayed Average Advanced in social development? Please circle one.
How would you describe the child’s personality/temperament? Circle all that apply:
Cooperative Uncooperative Sensitive Apprehensive Well-adjusted Aggressive Shy

Previous dentists’ name and phone number_____________________________
Last Date Seen____________________ X-rays_____________________
Is your child’s drinking water fluorinated? Yes No
Is your child taking vitamins with fluoride supplements? Yes No
How many times a day are your child’s teeth brushed?
Is the child currently using a bottle? Yes No How often?
Current dental habits. Please circle:
Thumb or Finger Sucking Use of Pacifier Lip or Cheek Biting Nail Biting
Previous or current TMJ (jaw) pain, tenderness or popping? Yes No
Does the child have or ever had recurring headaches? Yes No
Has the child ever had any of the following medical problems? Please circle all that apply.
Y N Cancer/Tumors Y N Hepatisis
Y N Tuberculosis
Y N Asthma
Y N Rheumatic Fever
Y N Sight Impairments
Y N Congenital Heart Defects
Y N Liver Or Kidney Disorder
Y N Lung or Respiratory Problems
Y N Gastro Intestinal Problems
Y N Convulsions/Epilepsy
Y N HIV/AIDS
Y N Diabetes Y N Endocrine System
Y N Hearing Impairments
Y N Frequent Infections
Y N Hemophilia
History of blood transfusions? Yes No
Date_______________________________
Does the child have a heart murmur or condition that requires Prophylactic Antibiotic coverage for dental work? Yes No
Please list any serious medical problems that the child has had:

Hospitalizations or injuries

Please list all drugs the child is allergic to Other allergies____________________
Please list all drugs the child is currently taking Dose___________________________
Does the child have seizures? Yes No Are the seizures related to high fever? Yes No
Does the child experience an aura before seizure? Yes No
Are the seizures related to high fever? Yes No

Does the child have any behavioral or learning disabilities?
Mental Retardation? Yes No Skill Level____
Handicaps/Physical Disabilities_____________
Any other significant problems or comments

Has the child had any recent infections of bacterial or viral origin? Yes No
Is your child currently under the care of a physician? Yes No
Child’s Physician___________________ Phone___________ Date Last Seen_______

Because your child is a minor, it is necessary that signed permission be obtained from a parent or guardian before any/or all necessary dental treatment is performed. Diagnosis of services needed and financial obligations will be discussed with you by the doctor and/or staff before treatment is rendered.

Your signature authorized Dr. Caldwell and/or his Pediatric Dentist Associate to render necessary dental treatment, to administer anesthetics, to administer medication, to take radiographs (X-rays), clinical photographs, study models and other records necessary for an accurate diagnosis, to utilize behavior management therapy as needed to provide safe dental care for your child and employ such assistance as is appropriate.


Signature of parent or guardian_______________________ Date____________

I verbally reviewed the medical/dental information above with the parent/guardian & patient named herein. Initials_________ Date__________

Doctor’s Comments:
_______________________________________________________

Our office is committed to meeting or exceeding the standards of infection control mandated by OSHA, the CEC and the ADA.

Larry Caldwell, D.D.S.
15200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 320
Sugar Land, Texas 77478

Office Policies
The person accompanying the patient is responsible for the account regardless of who carries the insurance on the patient.

We request that the person accompanying the child not leave the premises until the appointment is over, in the event a question arises regarding the child's appointment.

A broken appointment is a loss to everyone. As a courtesy, please allow a 24 hour notice for any schedule changes.

Dr. Caldwell, as a courtesy, will accept and file your insurance for you, HOWEVER, WE ARE NOT A PARTICIPATING PROVIDER ON ANY DENTAL PLANS, THIS MEANS YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR FEE AND THE INSURANCE ALLOWABLE FEE.

THE ONLY HMO/DMO WE ARE AFFILIATED WITH IS CIGNA (AGE LIMIT IS UNDER 7 YEARS OLD). IF YOU HAVE AN HMO/DMO, THEN YOUR INSURANCE WILL NOT PAY OUR OFFICE.

I am aware that insurance will cover an estimated percentage of most dental procedures and the portion that is not covered by insurance is due at the time services are rendered, unless other financial arrangements have been made prior to the dental appointment.

I am aware that some procedures are subject to a deductible and if it has not been met then I will pay this at the time services are rendered unless other financial arrangements have been made prior to the dental appointment.

If you have secondary insurance (two DENTAL plans), it does not necessarily mean that these combined insurances will cover your services 100%. It is up to you, the insured, to know how the two dental plans will coordinate benefits. We do not file secondary insurance.

I hereby agree to assign all insurance payments to Dr. Larry Caldwell. I am aware that my insurance company may not cover all of the professional fees. I hereby agree to pay, within 30 days, any outstanding balance following payment by the insurance company unless other financial arrangements have been made.

I agree that if the insurance fails to pay Dr. Larry Caldwell within (60) days of the rendering treatment all fees are due and payable at that time.
In the event the insurance company pays you the patient instead of Dr. Larry Caldwell, I agree to forward the payment to
Dr. Larry Caldwell.

In the event a check is returned from a financial institution, a return check fee of $20.00 will be applied.

In the event of default, I promise to pay legal interest on the indebtedness together with such collection costs as may be required to effect the collection of this note.

SIGNATURE:______________________________________ DATE:______________

Larry Caldwell, D.D.S.
15200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 320
Sugar Land, Texas 77478

Behavior Management Policy

Providing quality dental care for children requires expertise in directing child behavior. Our goal is to instill in the child, a positive attitude towards dentistry. Maintaining proper behavior of children while in the dental office demands skill of verbal guidance, prevention of inappropriate actions, and reinforcement of appropriate behavior. These techniques are used only for behavioral modification and not to reprimand or punish a child.

The following are various behavior management techniques used in this office.

•Positive Reinforcement: Social reinforcers such as verbal praise and non-social reinforcers such as rewards (toys, stickers).

•Tell-Show-Do: Explain procedures and instruments to the child with the use of modified terms such as “sleepy juice,” “water whistle,” and “wiggle tooth” rather than “shot,” “drill,” and “pull tooth.”

•Distraction: Use of distraction to divert the patients' attention from what he/she may perceive as unpleasantness.

•Voice Modification: Change of voice volume or tone to gain a child's attention and direct his/her behavior.

•Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation: This is a very safe and effective conscious sedation method which is easily monitored. The onset of this sedation is quick and recovery is fast and complete before the child leaves the office.

•Pediwrap or Papoose: Partial or complete immobilization with the use of a blanket type wrap, is sometimes necessary to protect the child from injury while using dental instruments. This technique is only used in cases when it has been determined that all other forms of behavior management have not or will not be effective.

It is our office policy to minimize the use of more extreme forms of behavior management techniques and to implement them only when necessary.

SIGNATURE:___________________________________ DATE:_____________

Larry Caldwell, D.D.S.
15200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 320
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
(281) 565-5437

Dear Parent,
We accept and file dental insurance as a courtesy to our patients. We try to know all aspects of your dental plan. Any treatment outline that we present to you is just an ESTIMATE and not a guarantee of benefits.

When we call to verify benefits, the insurance company informs us that, “this is not a guarantee of benefits until they actually receive the claim and process it.”

We file a pre-estimate to your insurance for some procedures such as orthodontic appliances, crowns, surgical procedures and large cases. We do not submit pre-estimates for every procedure but, at your request, we will gladly do so. It normally takes 3 to 4 weeks to receive an estimate back from an insurance company.

In-Network versus Out-of-Network PPO Insurance
When you have a PPO you can go Out-of-Network and the insurance will pay our office. What does this mean? In-Network means that we have a contract with your insurance company and we agree to accept their fees. Out-of-Network means we DO NOT have a contract with your insurance and we do not accept the fee that your insurance allows and you are responsible for the difference between our fee and the allowable fee from your insurance. We will not adjust off the difference between the two.

HMO/DMO Insurance
When you have an HMO/DMO, then you have to go to a doctor that accepts your insurance; you cannot go Out-of-Network. The only HMO/DMO that we are on is CIGNA (age limit is under 7 years).

It is very beneficial, as the insured, to know your dental plan.
Common questions to Ask Your Insurance Company
• What is the frequency of exams, cleanings and fluoride?
• Is there an age limit for fluoride treatments?
• Are sealants a covered benefit? If so, what is the age limit?
• Do I have orthodontic benefits?
• Do you have a waiting period with your insurance plan?
Most insurance companies will tell you how they will cover a procedure if you give them the ADA code, which is on the treatment outline.

SIGNATURE:_________________________________ DATE:___________

Larry Caldwell, D.D.S.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF
NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

**You May Refuse to Sign This Acknowledgment**

I, _______________________________________, have received a copy of this office's Notice of Privacy
Practices
________________________________________
Please Print Name
________________________________________
Signature
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Date

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We attempted to obtain written Acknowledgment of receipt of our Notice of Privacy Practices, but Acknowledgment could not be obtained because:
Individual refused to sign
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Papoose Boads For Dental Care-Are You Kidding Me!


There's just something about the Papoose Board that seems ... unfair, really really sneaky and a betrayal, and a ruthless display of dominance.

Dental procedures rooted in child intimidation include parent separation, use of papoose boards and negative verbal manipulation.

Although an intimidated child may be a compliant patient, the long term needs to establish a confident and trusting relationship can too easily be compromised.


From reading the reports on the web, I'm not the only one to feel this is just wrong. Some states such as Colorado have passed strict guidelines for the use of these for mentally and physically handicapped children and only as a last resort.

But many dentist are using them as standard procedures to get the job done as quickly and easily as possible. One dentist interviewed said it was more cost effect to tie up the child rather that another method or a combination.

Caution This Video May Be Very Distrubing:



On January 2, 2008, this particular Dental Office as now changed it's policies! THANK GOD!
See more here.

Update: 5-6-2008
But have they changed their ways? NO They Haven't! As of today, there are still report after report across the Internet saying this practice at Small Smiles, Kool Smiles, Smile Starter as well as private practice dentists that suggest it's status quo!

Even companies selling this things clearly state they are for use as a "Last Resort".

There are laws to stop the restraint of our elderly what on earth makes anyone here think it's ok to do it to our CHILDREN!


Imagine a visit to a dentist office where you walk back to your room for you own dental care and see a child strapped down, struggling for his life and the dentist, office personnel and the child's parents look up with a smile. (I didn't look back with any thing close to a smile!) I wanted to call Child Services!

Dentist's now have a new little gadget called a "dam" they put in your mouth to make it easier to get in and work. It restricts air flow from your mouth and all you are left with is what you can manage to breath through your nose.



Now we adults can manage that, but a child has a bit more trouble. Especially when they have been thrown in the basic flight or fight emotion and screaming is more important that anything.

Please tell me how a child is supposed to communicate to a dentist tied down, hand, feet and body restrained and this contraption in their mouth supposed to tell a dentist that they are not numb, that they have hit a "hot" nerve or they are about to choke. I would say that any dentist that does this to a child really doesn't care about anything other than drilling some hole, real or not, and making some fast bucks.

Add to the crying hysterically from the event, the nose becomes clogged and now the child can't breath nor move, so it's not far from death for the children, as they see it for sure. They certainly have no trust with those around them cause they are clearly the enemy!

The restraints do not do the job alone, so if you think the dentist just gently wrapping your child in a loving blanket for comfort is what's happening you are dead wrong!

It's only a way of gathering up the flying arms and legs making it easier to use other physical force to hold the child still. The child can still thrash around. Sometimes the dentist will enlist the parents to assist but many time they will tell you that the parents distract the child so you are asked to leave.


While trying to stop the thrashing around (since they are fighting for their lives) they put their arms
over their face to try to restrain the head further. Sometimes they add HOM-Hand Over Mouth - which further panics the child. The child is sure something terrible is going to be done to him, they see this kind of action in cartoons on tv everyday and it never ends well.

Don't try and tell me that putting your hand over the mouth of a child tied up is ok, and that you can assure me through their thrashing about the dentist will not block the only air way they child has-his nose. In dental lingo it's called HOME method of controlling a child. (Hand Over Mouth Exercise)!


Guess how they get the child to open their mouths, they pinch their nose. So you have a child strapped down and no way to get air! How more cruel is that! They call this little technique HOMAR (Home Over Mouth Airway Restriction)


A dentist in Florida had been prosecuted because a child's arm was broken while trying to restrain a child, and yes, he was using a papoose board.



I admit the device would serve its purpose well for what it is used for (pediatric purposes) saving life and limb, but there is no excuse to use it to work on a child's baby teeth.

Call it what it is…A restraining board. In this current usage it has nothing to do with a Papoose…which by the way is: A papoose (from the Algonquian papoos, meaning “child”) is an English loanword whose present meaning is “an American Indian child” (regardless of tribe). The word came originally from the Narragansett.

Using the term Papoose is supposed to somehow sooth the real idea of the straight jacket for children in hopes that makes it more acceptable to use.




Dr. Frank Carberry has been a dentist for 40 years and has worked with children in Third World countries. He said he's treated children with major tooth decay without ever resorting to restraining devices.


"I've got five grandchildren,” he said. “I can't imagine the psychological trauma on that child.”

I don't know when this practice started, nor who ever thought it was a great idea, but I know I certainly never would ever have considered torturing my children in this manor for a baby tooth!

A recent study among dentists showed that only 14% of them condone restraints such as these for dental care of children. It jumped to 20% if the child was pre-medicated.


Also a study indexed at medline.com showed that adults who experienced HOM or any other kind of restraint for dental procedures were 50% more likely to never see a dentist again!

In Europe, dentistry is now seeing that this type of treatment is uncalled for and abusive.

"Dr. Kevin J. Urbanek has a complete review of this abuse here. He states: In summary, research exists that demonstrate physical restraints are both potentially harmful, and are being increasing rejected by both practitioners and patient guardians. Alternatives such as medications are currently being explored and should be strongly considered instead of using physical restraints."

What needs to be studies is the long term affect on the children who suffered this kind of trauma!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry warns that stabilization devices like papoose boards have potential to seriously harm patients and should only be used in extreme cases where a patient is a danger to himself or his care givers.

One study from the AAPD showed that younger more inexperienced parents would more likely to consent to the use of the PB. (Papoose Board) Where parents 35 years of age and above were much less likely.

Dentists are far too often using the "danger to himself or his care givers". Dentist are not taking in to consideration as to the real urgency of the procedure. Just the cost savings of a quick treatment.

Some dentists use the argument they clearly informed the child and the child agreed to putting on the restraint. Come on, No child thought they would be tied up and tortured when they agreed to this!


Filling 4 year molars on a 5 year old child does not constitute Extreme Case!




Long Term Damage:

Death- A few children have died from being strapped to one of these boards because the dentist could not see the lethal allergic reaction the child had to the lidocane. Here's one story.

One woman says, "now I suffer from mild-moderate claustrophobia. I'm not saying this is always the wrong choice, but I wouldn't wish this upon anyone."

Other children report nightmares, not wanting close contact such as hugs, and one child refuses to sleep with a blanket to cover him.


One little girl told her mother that she dreams every night she is in a coffin and wakes up gasping for air. This has disrupted the entire family to the point they have had to seek professional care with biofeedback to help the child over come these fears.

More than one child has ended up with broken arms and limbs from fighting the restraints.

Many children and been brought into full blown Asthma attacks and seizures due to the trauma of papoose board and pediwrap boards. Your dentist office is NOT equipped to handle this kinds of emergencies.



Read the story of this poor child in Charlotte, NC

Are those fillings this important to you, are you willing to kill, maim and mentally damage your child over a filling, cap or other non emergency dental work??

Find yourself a qualified Dentist, or keep them at home!

Here's another story of Dentist who have lost licenses from this practice.

Here a mother explains the trauma her child experienced:


At 2 1/2 years old, I took my son to the dentist for the first time. All he had done was a brushing and teeth counting. He hated it! He kicked and screamed, and begged to get up.
About 3 months later he had a horrible accident in which he fell and pushed his four front top teeth up into his gumline. He ended up having to have the left front tooth pulled. In order for the dentist to do this she had to place him in a papoose board and strap him down. He freaked out! He screamed like he was on fire, he threw up, he gagged, and he hyperventilated to the point of almost passing out.

You know what really burns my butt, it's these parents worried about the violence on TV, cartoons and children's classic fairy tales, but would take their children to the torture chamber, aka, poorly qualified Dentist!

A Report from California:


A trip to the dentist probably doesn't rank high on anyone's to-do list. Now, imagine if your dentist skimps on appropriate amounts of anesthesia before submitting you to painful procedures.
That's just one of the things California Attorney General Bill Lockyer is alleging in criminal complaints against 20 dentists throughout the state. He's charging them with defrauding the state Medi-Cal System of $4.5 million, health benefits and workers' compensation fraud, conspiracy, grand theft, child abuse, elder abuse, assault and intentional infliction of great bodily injury. (due to using these restraints sweetly called Papoose Boards)

Here is another mother's experience using these typed of dentist, her child busted a blood vessel:

I have a 3 year old and when he went in for a cleaning, the experience was good- probably 4 stars-the nurses were kind but I felt like the Doctor was a little cold. We had to bring my son back for a root canal because of a dead tooth and the experience was traumatic, horrifically scary for my son and we will not go back.
The Doctor did not discuss the possibility of any type of sedative with us for this procedure nor did he tell us in advance that my son would be placed on a board and basically placed in a straight jacket. While that may be necessary to complete the procedure, letting parents know what to expect is critical to a good experience. During the procedure, my son, who was so scared that he literally popped blood vessels in his face and neck was told in a firm voice by the dentist "You are yelling at me. You can't yell at me any more. I can't do my job when you are yelling." While certainly, yelling is going to be difficult to deal with, as a doctor who sees patients this young and chooses to perform these types of procedures on them, a certain amount of empathy is required to be considered a good dentist. If my children were older, I'm sure the visits would all be good ones. However, my fellow is 3 and I am disgusted.

Another outraged mom:

My son had 2 cavities. I took him to my dentist and as soon as he got in the room the strapped him to a papoose board and 4 ppl worked on his mouth. No one tried to comfort him. They just held him down with the papoose board which looks basically like a strait jacket. It made his arms and legs immobile and his head was between two boards. When we left he was hysterical. His lips were bruised. I did not sign any consent form for them to do this. I decided I was not taking him back to get the other cavity filled there ever. This is 2009, and is ridiculous! Clearly it was not for the comfort or safety of my child, it was for the convenience of the dentist.

Here is a quote from a parent on a message board that pretty much sums up my feelings and anger on this issue:

"
A cavity is not worth a lifelong traumatic memory like this. If I found out the dentist covered my daughter's mouth and told her to shut-up ...I'd give him the beating of his life right then and there and then warn him if he called the police he'd get 100 times worse when I got out of jail."


Have any of these Pro Papoose Board Supporters even considered the
psychological safety of the patient!

updated: 1-15-2008

This may be one reason some dentist resort to papoose board instead of other types of sedation for persons under 13 years of age. Permits, Education, More Training. Below is from the Kentucky Board of Dentistry.

Dental Anesthesia Permits
Any dentist who wants to administer general
anesthesia, I.V. conscious sedation, or oral
sedation for patients under the age of 13, must
first secure a permit from the Board. To
receive a permit, an application with supporting
documentation of education and experience
must be submitted along with the permit
application fee. An office inspection must also
be done before anesthesia can be performed in
a dental office. A permit will not be issued for
any of the above types of permits until all
requirements have been met. Until a permit is
issued, anesthesia cannot be administered.
University of Louisville is requesting your
participation