Skip to main content
Turtle Bay Pediatric Dentistry logo

FAQ

What Families Ask Most

Find answers about first visits, insurance, membership options, dental emergencies, scheduling, and what your child can expect at Turtle Bay Pediatric Dentistry.

Schedule Appointment
A smiling parent and child relaxing together

Family FAQ

Clear Answers Before Your Visit

Use this guide to understand timing, insurance, emergency care, and how Turtle Bay helps kids feel comfortable from the very first appointment.

What age should my child have their first dental visit?+

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in — whichever comes first. Starting early isn’t about finding problems; it’s about preventing them, and it helps your child grow up seeing the dentist as a normal, friendly part of life instead of something to fear. Children under 2 receive their first visit free at Turtle Bay Pediatric Dentistry.

Do you accept my dental insurance?+

We’re in-network with most major insurance plans and Medicaid. The major insurances are Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, United Concordia, Guardian, Aetna, Lincoln Financial, Principal, Ameritas, Care Platinum, among other plans. The Medicaid plans include MCNA Dental, including Texas CHIP, DentaQuest, and UnitedHealthcare CHIP/Medicaid Children’s plans.

If you’re not sure whether your plan is accepted, call us at (469) 471-9878 and our team will check for you before your visit — no guesswork, no surprise bills.

What if I don’t have insurance, or my plan isn’t in-network?+

You still have two good ways to get your child seen at Turtle Bay — one for right now, one for the whole year.

Start with the $99 New Patient Special. For $99 — no insurance, no waiting period, no forms to fill out first — your child gets a full exam, X-rays, and a cleaning. It’s the fastest way to get in the door and see for yourself how we work with kids before deciding on anything more.

If your family doesn’t have dental insurance at all, the Turtle Bay Smiles Club is built for exactly that. Instead of paying full price visit by visit — or skipping checkups because the cost feels unpredictable — you get two exams, two cleanings, X-rays, and two fluoride treatments a year for one flat price, with an emergency exam already included if something unexpected comes up. No deductibles, no pre-approvals, no annual maximums to track. You know the full cost of your child’s dental care for the year on day one.

Most families do both: the $99 visit to get started, then Smiles Club once you’ve decided we’re the right long-term fit for your child.

Are you accepting new patients, and do you have weekend appointments?+

Yes — we’re currently welcoming new patients, and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 noon appointments are open now. If weekday mornings mean missing work or pulling your child out of school, Saturday is there so dental care doesn’t cost you a day’s pay or a school absence. Book online in under a minute, or call (469) 471-9878 and we’ll find a time that works.

What should I expect at my child’s first visit?+

We use a “tell-show-do” approach — a standard pediatric behavioral technique — so nothing near your child is a surprise. First, your child meets the team and gets a tour of the room. Then we show them the tools we’ll use, letting them touch a mirror or a “tooth-counter” before we ever use them. Only then does the actual exam happen — a gentle look at teeth and gums, and X-rays if needed. Throughout, your child can watch a show on our TVs, and every child leaves with a goodie bag, no matter how the visit went. Bravery gets celebrated here — not just teeth getting checked.

What to bring: insurance card, if applicable, and a comfort item for younger kids if that helps them settle in.

My child is in dental pain / had a tooth injury — what do I do?+

Call us right away at (469) 589-5437 — some injuries are time-sensitive, so don’t wait it out.

  • Permanent tooth knocked out: Handle by the crown, not the root. If clean, try placing it back in the socket. If not, keep it moist in milk or saliva, not water, and get to us fast — minutes matter.
  • Baby tooth knocked out: Don’t try to reinsert it. Just come in.
  • Chipped/cracked tooth: Save any pieces, rinse with warm water, and apply a cold compress.
  • Toothache, no visible injury: Rinse with warm water, gently floss the area, use a cold compress, and give an age-appropriate pain reliever per package directions.

Not sure if it’s urgent? Call anyway.

Do you treat children with special needs or extra anxiety?+

Yes. We adjust pacing, communication, and the environment to fit your child — not the other way around. If your family has struggled to find an office that “gets it,” we’d like the chance to be that office.

Do you offer discounts for siblings or multiple children?+

Yes — self-pay families can take advantage of our same-day sibling special when multiple kids are seen in one visit. Ask when you book. Applies to self-pay patients; not combinable with government insurance programs.

Does your office have Spanish-speaking staff?+

Yes — our team includes Spanish-speaking staff, so you can ask questions and get answers in the language you’re most comfortable with, from your first call through checkout.

How can I schedule an appointment?+

The fastest way is to book online — it takes under a minute and shows real available times right away. Prefer to talk to someone first? Call (469) 471-9878 for new patients, or (469) 589-5437 if you’re already a patient.

Ready When You Are

Still Have Questions?

Call our team or book online when you’re ready to plan your child’s visit.

Plan With Confidence

Our team can review scheduling, insurance questions, membership options, and first visit details before your child arrives.

Kid-Friendly From the Start

Turtle Bay’s first-visit approach helps children understand what will happen before care begins, so each appointment can feel more familiar.

Family Voices

What Families Are Saying

Hear directly from parents about their experiences at Turtle Bay Pediatric Dentistry.

We brought our kid after we had a bad experience at our last place. They did a great job making them feel comfortable and calm. They give your kid what they need with out making them feel like the next in line.

Scott A.

We had such an amazing experience! The team is fantastic and they did a phenomenal job with our 2.5 year old. We didn’t have a single tear and she sat through her whole appointment. She loved her experience and said she liked visiting the dentist! I couldn’t recommend them more.

Brittany W.

Such a great experience for a first time dental visit. The office is super clean and very toddler friendly.

Naida S.