Accepting New Patients
Accepting New Patients
Your pediatrician just said it’s time for your little one’s first dental visit. Maybe you’re wondering if this is really needed when your toddler only has a few teeth. Or you’re already stressed about how they’ll react to a stranger looking in their mouth. Finding the right pediatric dentist isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about finding someone who really gets kids and knows how to make this feel normal instead of scary. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children see a dentist by their first birthday, and the earlier you start, the easier it gets.
Dr. Ray Klein and Dr. Hayley Botwin have spent years learning how to help families get through those early dental visits without undue stress. We don’t try to make your child fit into an adult approach to dentistry. We’ve built everything around what it’s actually like to care for small humans.
Pediatric dentists complete two to three extra years of training after dental school. We focus on child development, behavior management, and the challenges that come with treating patients who might clamp their mouth shut or ask twenty questions during a simple cleaning.
Your worry about this appointment matters just as much as your child’s. Kids are really good at reading our emotions. If you’re stressed, they’ll pick up on that right away. Part of our job is helping you feel good about what’s happening. Then your child can focus on the fun parts of their visit.
Every child is different, too. Some kids are curious and want to touch everything in the room. Others need time to warm up and watch before they’re ready to join in. Some do better with lots of explanation. Others just want to get it done quickly. There’s no perfect approach that works for everyone. We let your child’s personality guide how we handle their care.
One thing we hear all the time from new parents: “I didn’t know I was supposed to bring my baby to the dentist this early.” The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental home by age one, or within six months of that first tooth. Starting that early isn’t about the teeth yet. It’s about building a relationship, learning what’s normal for your child’s development, and making sure those first dental experiences are calm and positive. Dr. Ray Klein and Dr. Hayley Botwin have worked with infants as young as a few months old, and that early start makes everything easier down the road, for the kids and for you.
Here’s something that might surprise you: we’re not that interested in filling cavities. Don’t get us wrong, we’ll take care of any problems your child has. But what we really love is helping families stop those problems from happening at all.
This means we spend lots of time talking with parents about the small daily choices that make the biggest difference. We won’t lecture you about every snack your child eats. But we will help you understand which habits help kids succeed and which ones tend to cause problems later.
Our approach means we won’t rush into treatments that aren’t necessary. If we spot a tiny problem area, we’ll often recommend watching it closely while making some changes at home.
Every family’s first visit starts with us getting to know each other. We won’t rush your child into the chair and start working right away. Instead, we’ll talk about what brings you in. We’ll answer any questions you have. And we’ll let your little one get comfortable with our space and our team.
Some children want to explore everything. They’ll climb into the dental chair, play with the water sprayer, and ask to see all our tools. Others want to stay close to their parent and watch for a while. Both ways are fine. We’ll follow your child’s lead.
Here’s what we usually focus on during kids’ visits:
The goal isn’t to get through a list of procedures. It’s to help your child have a good experience that builds their confidence for future visits. We’d rather spend a whole appointment just getting your child comfortable with sitting in the chair. That’s better than forcing them through a cleaning that leaves everyone feeling stressed.
We also notice things you might not see at home. Is your child grinding their teeth at night? Are their grown-up teeth coming in with enough space? Are there eating habits that might put them at higher risk for cavities? These are the kinds of details we can spot early and address before they become harder problems.
Most visits are routine, but it helps to know what else we offer. Dental exams and cleanings let us watch how your child’s teeth and bite are developing. Sealants cover the deep grooves on back teeth, where cavities tend to start. Digital X-rays show what a visual exam can’t. And if your child does get a cavity, you can read about dental fillings and kids tooth extractions before your visit, so nothing feels like a surprise.
The children who do best with dental care long-term are the ones who learn early that taking care of their teeth is normal. This happens when dental visits feel routine and manageable instead of stressful or scary.
We work hard to make sure every child leaves our office feeling proud of themselves. This might be because they sat still for a full cleaning. Or maybe they just let us count their teeth. Those small wins build confidence over time. Before you know it, your child looks forward to their appointments and shows off how well they can brush and floss.
Teaching parents is also a huge part of what we do. But we try to keep it practical and realistic. We won’t give you a long list of foods your child can never eat again. Instead, we’ll help you understand how timing, frequency, and combinations of foods affect your child’s teeth. Then you can make educated choices that work for your family’s life.
Most parents call us asking, “Do you take our insurance?” and we probably do. We’re in-network with pretty much every PPO plan out there. Let us take a look for you. We’ll verify your benefits and explain exactly what’s covered. No surprises, no hidden fees, no awkward conversations at checkout.
Now, about treatment costs. This is where our approach really benefits families. If we can avoid drilling, we will. If we can manage something with dietary changes or better brushing habits at home, that’s our first choice. This isn’t just better for your child; it’s better for everyone.
Most routine visits for toddlers are preventive care, which means they’re typically covered at 100% by insurance. We’re talking about cleanings, exams, and X-rays, the basics that keep those little teeth healthy.
If we ever need to discuss treatment that has a cost, we’ll explain everything up front. Nobody likes financial surprises. We want you to feel confident about both the care we’re providing and what it’s going to cost your family.
Dr. Ray Klein brings a unique background to pediatric dentistry. He has experience in film and publishing. This gives him a special talent for connecting with children through storytelling and creative communication. He’s been caring for families in the Culver City area for years and often treats multiple children from the same family as they grow up. Dr. Hayley Botwin adds a fresh view and practical approach that many families seek out. Some parents find that their children respond really well to a female dentist. She has a natural ability to put even the most worried children at ease.
Together, we’ve created a practice where children can be themselves. Parents feel supported and informed. And dental care becomes just another part of staying healthy, for families throughout Culver City, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey, and surrounding areas. Ready to get started? Contact Silicon Beach Pediatric Dental to schedule your child’s first visit.
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
