Accepting New Patients
Accepting New Patients
So your pediatrician just told you it’s time to find a pediatric dentist for your little one. Maybe you’re thinking, “Wait, what? My kid barely has any teeth!” Trust us, we hear this all the time. Or maybe you’re already feeling anxious about how your toddler will handle someone looking in their mouth. Finding the right pediatric dentist isn’t just another task to check off your list. It’s about finding someone who actually gets kids and makes dental visits fun instead of scary.
Dr. Ray Klein and Dr. Hayley Botwin have built their practice around helping families in El Segundo get through those early dental visits without turning them into stressful events. We don’t expect your child to fit into some adult approach to dentistry. Everything here is designed around what it’s really like to care for small humans. We’re located in Culver City, just a short drive from El Segundo, and families from your area have been coming to see us for years because they appreciate an approach that puts their child’s comfort first.
Childhood dental visits should be a fun, positive experience. We take a straightforward, practical approach that respects both you and your child. Here’s what that actually looks like when you come see us.
Your child’s first appointment focuses on helping them get comfortable with our office. We’ll discuss what’s happening at home with brushing and diet, and answer whatever questions you have. Your child sets the pace. If they need time to warm up before we look in their mouth, that’s completely fine.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, establishing a dental home early provides a foundation for a lifetime of preventive education and oral health care. For toddlers experiencing their first dental visit, it’s really about helping you understand how to care for those tiny teeth, even the ones that haven’t come in yet.
Most of our patients only come in for regular checkups and leave without needing any dental work. That’s not luck. It’s the result of teaching families how to prevent problems before they start. During dental exams and cleanings, we catch potential issues early, review proper brushing and flossing techniques, and help kids understand why taking care of their teeth matters. We’ll talk honestly about diet, bottles, habits, and everything else that affects your child’s oral health.Â
Every family is different, so we tailor our guidance to fit your specific situation rather than applying some one-size-fits-all approach.
It’s not often, but when treatment is necessary, we take the most minimally invasive approach possible. For very young children who aren’t quite ready for the white composite dental fillings, we sometimes use silver diamine fluoride to stop cavities from progressing. Yes, it may stain the decayed area on the affected tooth, but many parents prefer this option over sedation or more involved procedures for toddlers. And down the road when your child is older we can put in a white filling that looks great and takes out all the staining.
As your child gets older and can tolerate more, we transition to other treatment options. We’re always thinking about where your child is developmentally, not just what a textbook says.
Sometimes the right treatment is actually doing nothing. We pride ourselves on sometimes being “doctor-do-nothing” because when you’re dealing with kids if something can wait or be managed with changes at home, that’s usually our first recommendation.
Our office sits in Culver City, conveniently located for El Segundo families just east of the 405 freeway. You’ll find us between Slauson and Sepulveda, right above Fox Hills Mall. We’re pretty easy to get to from El Segundo, and we’ve designed everything with children and their parents in mind.
The space feels fun and welcoming rather than clinical. Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley both understand that new environments can make kids nervous, so we give children all the time they need to feel comfortable. We never rush through appointments or create unnecessary stress around treatment. Our philosophy centers on building positive relationships with the dentist that last well into adulthood.
When you visit, you’ll notice we explain what’s happening in language that makes sense rather than overwhelming you with technical terms. We believe parents should understand exactly what’s going on with their child’s oral health and why we recommend what we recommend. If something doesn’t make sense, ask. We’d rather take an extra five minutes to explain than have you leave confused.
We offer comprehensive pediatric dental care from your child’s first tooth through their teenage years. This includes regular dental exams and cleanings, sealants to prevent cavities in back teeth, digital X-rays when needed, and tooth-colored fillings when cavities develop. We also provide early orthodontic assessments, though we take a very measured approach and only recommend intervention when it’s truly necessary and age-appropriate.
For emergencies like knocked-out teeth or dental injuries, we’re here to help. If your child needs a tooth extraction, we handle those situations with the same care and patience we apply to everything else. But honestly, because we focus so much on prevention and parent education, the majority of our patients only need regular checkups.
We work with most PPO insurance plans and are in-network with many major providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Blue Shield, Delta, United Healthcare, and others. You can find our complete list of accepted plans on our insurance page. We currently don’t participate in HMO, DMO, or EPO plans. For families without insurance, we offer a one-price cash fee. If you have questions about whether we accept your specific plan or what your coverage includes, just give us a call before your visit, and we’ll help you understand your benefits.
Look, we know taking your child to the dentist for the first time can feel like a big step. But think about it this way, it’s another way you’re taking great care of them and teaching them important habits you want them to have when they get older. Most kids do better than their parents expect, and many actually enjoy the experience once they see how friendly our office is.
Dr. Ray Klein completed his dental education and two additional years of pediatric training at Miller Children’s Hospital and is board-certified in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Hayley Botwin joined our practice after completing the prestigious USC Pediatric Residency program. She worked with us as a hygienist while finishing dental school, and parents loved her so much they specifically requested appointments on her days in the office. Both Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley genuinely love working with kids at every stage, and that shows from the moment you walk in. Contact us to set up an appointment that works with your schedule.
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
