Accepting New Patients
Accepting New Patients
Most kids do better than their parents expect. That’s not us trying to be reassuring. It’s just what happens most of the time. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that early dental visits help kids develop healthy habits and catch issues before they become problems. That may be why your pediatrician recommended you come see us.
Our office is a fun environment for kids because it’s designed for kids. Dr. Ray or Dr. Hayley will start by answering your questions. If your toddler’s cooperative, we’ll do a quick clean, count teeth and take a look, making sure everything’s developing the way it should. If your kid wants nothing to do with it, that’s fine, too. Nobody’s forcing anything.
Baby teeth help your child chew properly, speak clearly, and save space for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth gets a cavity and falls out too early, permanent teeth can come in crooked or crowded. Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley aren’t going to recommend a bunch of unnecessary treatments or make you feel like you’re doing everything wrong because your kid has a treat or sometimes drinks juice.
Different families have different approaches, and Dr. Ray doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all thinking. What matters is you’re learning, your child is learning the dentist is a safe-space, and you’re getting your child to the dentist at the right time.
My kid’s 18 months old, is that too young? No. Most pediatricians and pediatric dentists recommend a dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth coming in. If your kid’s already two or three and hasn’t been yet, that’s still fine. Just get them in.
What if my toddler won’t sit still? Then they won’t sit still. Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley have been doing this long enough to know toddlers are unpredictable. They’ll work with what your child gives them that day and you’ll leave the visit knowing a lot more about taking care of baby teeth.
Do you take my insurance? Probably. They’re in-network with almost all PPOs. If you have an HMO, DMO, or EPO plan, they’re not participating providers for those but you can always give us a call to ask about our cash fees.
What about bottles at bedtime? Parents ask about bottles all the time. If your kid’s still taking a bottle to bed, Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley will talk to you about it and explain why it matters for tooth decay. They’ll give you some options so you can decide what changes to make to keep your child’s teeth and smile healthy.
My kid’s teeth are coming in crooked, should I worry? For toddlers and young kids, crooked baby teeth usually aren’t a big deal. Baby teeth often shift as more come in. If there’s something that actually needs attention, the doctors will let you know. They’re not going to push early orthodontic work unless it’s necessary.
Drs. Ray and Hayley share a consistent philosophy: prioritizing transparency, avoiding unnecessary treatments, and always respecting parents as the experts on their child’s needs. Their practice is located in Culver City, making it convenient for families from Playa del Rey, Mar Vista, and the surrounding beach communities. They take the straightforward approach that makes sense when you’re a parent trying to make good decisions for your kid without the drama.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, contact the office to schedule your child’s first visit.
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
