New Patients Welcome
Thank you for choosing us for your children’s dentist choice for your family’s oral health needs. We’re excited to meet you and your child! Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your first visit with our pediatric dentist team.
Thank You for Choosing OurPediatric Dentist Practice
We consider it an honor to care for your child’s dental needs and greatly appreciate the trust you place in us to do so. At Yarmosky Pediatric Dentistry, we’ve been creating healthy smiles for Berkshire County families for over 40 years, and we look forward to partnering with you in your child’s oral health journey.
Your first visit begins with a comprehensive oral evaluation by one of our experienced pediatric dentist specialists, Dr. Aaron Buyack or Dr. Shreya Manocha. We’ll take the time to get to know your child, understand their dental history, and answer all your questions in a warm, welcoming environment designed specifically for children.
Prevention is our number one priority for your child's overall health. We follow guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and recommend a cleaning and exam once every six months.
- Routine Dental Cleanings and Exams
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental Radiographs (Digital X-Rays)
- Nutritional Counseling
- Comprehensive Oral and Growth & Development Evaluations
Should your child require dental treatment, we use modern techniques and materials (we are an amalgam-free office) to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
- Dental Sealants (Prophylactic Sealants)
- Tooth Colored Fillings
- Pulpotomy and Crown
- Space Maintenance
- Extractions
- Orthodontic Retainers
- Sports Mouthguards
- Tooth Whitening
- Custom Nightguards
- Conservative Cavity Treatment with Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
We always prefer to complete dental procedures in the least invasive manner possible. Most children are able to complete treatment with nitrous oxide and local anesthetic, but some patients require IV or GA sedation. These patients are typically either very young, have special needs, or have extreme dental anxiety. If your child requires sedation to complete dental treatment, the dentist will discuss your options with you, and our staff will help you schedule and coordinate the procedure.
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
- Local Anesthetic
- Special Needs Dentistry
- IV or GA Sedation (Hospital Dentistry)
We are always on the cutting edge of dental technology, utilizing the LightScalpel® CO2 Laser for various procedures.
- Frenectomies (Tongue-Tie/Lip-Tie Removal)
- Gingivectomies
- Tooth Exposures
- Lesion Removals
We also utilize the i-CAT® Cone Beam 3D Dental Imaging System, an award-winning low-dose 3D technology. This allows us to gather precise information for the most effective and least invasive treatment, eliminating the need for uncomfortable orthodontic impressions and providing soft tissue and airway analysis.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a "Dental Home" for your child by one year of age. Establishing a Dental Home can prevent problems from occurring or diagnose and treat existing problems before they become serious. Children who have their first dental visit before age one will have 40 percent lower dental costs in their first five years than children who do not.
- Infant Exam
- Infant Nutritional Counseling
- Infant Growth and Development Assessment
- Infant Fluoride Varnish Treatment
We provide safe, gentle tooth extractions when necessary.
In cases where a back "baby" (primary) tooth is lost early due to extraction or ectopic eruption, it is important that the space for the permanent tooth be held open. If that space closes, it can potentially block out the permanent tooth and prevent it from erupting properly. In such situations, we may need to use a simple "space maintainer" appliance.
What to Expectat Your Child's First Visit
Comprehensive Oral Evaluation During your child’s initial appointment, our pediatric dentist will:
- Conduct a thorough examination of your child’s teeth, gums, and oral development
- Review any dental radiographs (x-rays) taken, using our low-radiation digital technology
- Assess your child’s bite and jaw development
- Check for signs of tooth decay or other concerns
- Discuss your child’s dental and medical history
Personalized Treatment Planning Based on the examination, our pediatric dentist will develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique needs. This plan is designed to help your child achieve and maintain a healthy smile throughout their childhood and beyond.
Open Communication Please feel free to ask any questions you have about your child’s oral health, treatment options, or our pediatric dentist services. We want you to feel completely comfortable and informed about every aspect of your child’s care.
Before YourFirst Visit
Preparing for Your First Appointment
What to Bring:
- Your child’s insurance card
- Photo ID for the parent/guardian
- List of any medications your child currently takes
- Medical history information, including allergies
- Previous dental records (if transferring from another dentist)
Transfer of Records: If you’re moving into the Berkshire County area, please ask your former pediatric dentist to send a copy of your child’s dental records to our office. This helps us provide the most comprehensive care from day one.
Comprehensive Pediatric Dentist Services
Important Information
After Your Visit Care
Emergency Help
Insurance & PaymentInformation
At Yarmosky Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves access to quality pediatric dental care. We work with families to make dental care affordable and accessible, accepting most major insurance plans and offering flexible payment options.
In-Network Insurance Providers
We are proud to be in-network with:
- Altus
- Delta Dental
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
Being in-network means you’ll receive the maximum benefits your insurance plan offers, with lower out-of-pocket costs for your family.
We File Your Primary Insurance
As a courtesy to our patients, we file your primary dental insurance for you. Here’s how it works:
- Before Your Appointment: We verify your insurance coverage and benefits
- At Your Appointment: You pay any required co-payment or deductible
- After Your Appointment: We submit claims to your insurance company on your behalf
- Insurance Processing: Your insurance company processes the claim (typically 30-45 days)
- Final Balance: You’re responsible for any remaining balance not covered by insurance
If your insurance company hasn’t processed payment within 30 days, please contact our office. We encourage you to stay in communication with both us and your insurance provider to ensure timely payment.
Out-of-Network Coverage
Most dental insurance plans still provide some level of coverage for out-of-network providers. Here’s how it typically works:
- You Pay in Full: Payment is required at the time of service
- We Provide Documentation: We’ll give you a detailed receipt and claim form
- You Submit to Insurance: You file the claim with your insurance company
- You Receive Reimbursement: Insurance sends payment directly to you based on your out-of-network benefits
How You Can Pay for Dental Care
We accept multiple payment methods to make dental care convenient for your family:
✓ Cash
✓ Personal Checks
- A $35 fee applies to any returned checks
- Please ensure sufficient funds before writing checks
✓ Credit Cards
✓ Debit Cards
✓ CareCredit
- Healthcare financing option
- Special financing available
- Apply online or in our office
- Flexible payment plans
- Interest-free options may be available
Payment Policy
Payment is required at the time services are rendered. We collect payment for:
- Any co-payment required by your insurance
- Deductibles that haven’t been met
- Services not covered by insurance
- Estimated patient portion for treatment
If you don’t see your question answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact our Pittsfield or Great Barrington office. Our team is happy to answer any questions and address any concerns before your child’s first visit with our pediatric dentist.
Scheduling your child’s first appointment is easy! Simply call our Pittsfield or Great Barrington office during business hours. Our friendly front desk team will help you find a convenient appointment time.
To make your first visit as smooth as possible, please bring the following items:
Required Items:
- Insurance Card: We’ll make a copy for our records and file your primary insurance as a courtesy
- Photo ID: Valid identification for the parent or legal guardian
- Payment Method: Cash, check, credit card, CareCredit, or debit card for any balance due at time of service
Helpful Items:
- Medical History: List of current medications, allergies, and any medical conditions
- Previous Dental Records: If transferring from another dentist, ask them to forward records in advance, or bring copies with you
- Completed Forms: Download and complete new patient forms from our website to save time (or arrive early to complete them in office)
- Insurance Information: Details about your coverage, including subscriber ID and group numbers
For Your Child’s Comfort:
- Comfort Item: A favorite small toy or blanket if it helps your child feel secure
- List of Questions: Write down any concerns or questions you’d like to discuss with our pediatric dentist
What NOT to Bring:
- Please leave siblings at home if possible for your child’s first visit, so we can focus entirely on the new patient
- Avoid bringing snacks or sugary drinks right before the appointment
At Yarmosky Pediatric Dentistry, parents are always welcome to accompany their child during appointments! We believe in partnering with parents to create the best experience for each child.
We understand that cost is an important consideration for families. Here’s what you need to know about payment for your child’s first visit:
Insurance Coverage: We are in-network with:
- Altus
- Delta Dental
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
Typical First Visit Services:
- Comprehensive oral examination
- Professional cleaning (prophylaxis)
- Fluoride treatment
- Digital dental radiographs (x-rays) if needed
- Preventive care education
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care at 100% for in-network pediatric dentist visits, including two cleanings and exams per year for children. However, coverage varies by plan.
What You’ll Pay:
- If we’re in-network: You’ll typically only pay your co-pay or any deductible amount at the time of service
- If we’re out-of-network: You’ll pay the full fee, and we’ll provide documentation for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement
- We’ll verify your coverage before your appointment and provide an estimate
Great question! How you prepare your child can make a significant difference in their dental experience.
Infants (Under 1): No preparation needed! Just bring them well-fed and rested.
Toddlers (1-3): Keep it very simple. Say “We’re going to see the tooth doctor who will count your teeth!” Read a dental visit board book.
Preschoolers (3-5): Use imaginative play. Let them practice being the dentist. Talk about how the dentist helps keep teeth healthy and strong.
School-Age (6-12): Explain more about what will happen. Emphasize that the dentist is an expert who helps teeth stay healthy. Answer questions honestly but positively.
Teens: Discuss the importance of oral health. Allow them to ask questions directly to the dentist. Respect their growing independence.
Absolutely! At Yarmosky Pediatric Dentistry, we welcome and specialize in caring for children with special health care needs. Our pediatric dentist team has experience and training to work with children who have various challenges.
Before Your Visit:
- Call Ahead: Contact our office before scheduling so we can discuss your child’s specific needs
- Extended Appointment Time: We can schedule longer appointments with fewer distractions
- Optimal Timing: We’ll help you choose the best time of day for your child