Hi,
This is a first request for me, but I was totally floored when I called the dentist an hour ago. We now have insurance through "Compbenefits". It took me hours to look up and find a pediatric dentist for my son. He's on the autistic spectrum and is absolutely terrified of going to doctors. I personally find dentists to be worse. I called up the new dentist and they told me because he is under 13, they would charge a specialist fee, which I was responsible for 75% of the estimated $150-200 exam cost. This floored me for two reasons: 1)The office listed that they accepted children 0 and older in the benefits book. (whereas other dentists had differing ages, most higher) 2.)A regular visit to a general dentist is listed at $5 in the same benefits book. Big difference between $5 and $200.
Does anyone know of a good dentist that accepts children without charging specialist fees? If you could give me an idea on exam charges, as well, that would be very helpful. Should I resign myself to going broke for an exam, or are there other options?I live in Temple Terrace but I'll drive to Brandon or New Tampa/Wesley Chapel. I appreciate any help anyone can give. Thanks!
Well, I thank the Moms that took the time to recommend. The issue really isn't resolved. Most of your recommendations were not on my Dental provider list. Dr. Carr, ironically, was the doctor (I was trying to go to the W. Busch location) I TRIED to get the original appointment with, when I was told that I would have to pay these fees. I ended up with trying Friendly Smiles Dental and was VERY disappointed. Not a friendly smile to be seen there. Everyone was rude to my son and talked down at him for being scared. We waited 35 minutes after an hour and a half cleaning for the dentist (I believe his name was Mark.) He came in, put both hands in my son's mouth, and prized it open without even telling him what he was doing. My son jerked (wouldn't you?!?), then the dentist says,"Oh well, he's moving too much. Guess we'll have to try again in 6 months. Maybe he'll be more cooperative." Oh, I'm mad again just thinking of it. I say, "Excuse me? He's been in that chair almost 2 hours, and you surprised him. He has a crooked tooth that needs to be pulled." He again says, "I can't look at it, since he's moving too much. He'll just have to try to wiggle it out." Almost 6 months later, that darn tooth HASN'T wiggled out, and I don't plan on returning to that place. I'll call Compbenefits and try to get either Copeland or Carr at her Brandon location. Thanks again, and PLEASE feel free to add any recommendations!
Good morning C.:
My children did not like to go to the dentist but they love this family of Drs. Father, son, and daughter:
Frank C. Pettinato, DDS.,PA
14497 North Dale Mabry, Suite 100
Tampa, Fl. 33618
###-###-####
Good luck.
We go to a wonderful pediatric dentist named Gerald Copeland. We have the same insurance as you do and pay a $5 copay each time. His office is near Armenia and Martin Luther King Blvd...not Temple Terrace or New Tampa but might be worth the drive. The first time I took my daughter, she was 3 and did very well. I went back with her and they explained what they were doing as they performed the exam. After the first visit, their policy is to have the children go back by themselves but maybe with the issues you describe, they would let you go back with your son. I hope this helps.
Hi C.! I agree with the other two responses...anyone in the Pettinato family is great. We just started on CompBenefits for dental as well and the plan pays for two cleanings a year with no co-pay or extra charges as long as you stay with the doctors in their plan. My daughter went to Frank Pettinato, in NPR, but the other offices would be closer for you.
Good luck!
Dr. Carr at Dental Health Group. She is fabulous! She pulled my seven year olds first two teeth because his adult teeth were in behind them.
She has an office in Brandon near the Marshall's in Regency Town Center ###-###-####. Dr. Carr works at this office on Mondays and I think Wednesdays. She also goes to the Bloomingdale office but I don't know their number or what days she works out of this office.
She and her entire staff are fabulous. Good luck!
i highly recommend pettinato. he has an office in tampa off dalemabry. no white coat - they wear scrubs.
My daughter has special needs and her dentist is in Tampa. His name is Dr. Sierra ###-###-####. He specializes in children like our own. He is wonderful and his staff is as well. Hope this helps.
Hi C., My name is K.. I have 2 boys (Dominick-13 and Garrett-9), both under the ASD umbrella. The 13 year old has Aspergers Syndrome and is gifted (IQ 139, 9 year old has autism). They both go see Dr. Michael J. Ruelf, DDS. My 13 year old has been seeing him since he was 6 and my 9 year old since he was 3. Dr. Ruelf is located at:
1308 W. Fletcher
###-###-####
To my knowledge, there are no hidden fees. Both of my children are on medicaid and get SSI each month because of there disability. The kids call him Dr. Mike. The office is kid friendly. Dr. Mike likes trains and has a motorized train that is located towards the ceiling and just goes around and around. He also has a wooden toy train set for the kids to play with. A separate room that has video games that the kids play for free. He is a wonderful person, in fact the whole staff is great. My 9 year old had to have crowns and Dr. Mike sedated him because Garrett doesn't like stuff done inside his mouth. He is only ok when he goes in for the 6 month cleaning. He is really good with kids.
Give him a call. I hope it all works out for you. K.
