Our Mission

To provide the highest level of dental treatment to children, while emphasizing preventative care through oral hygiene and diet counseling.

Also, to entertain and inspire them through the practice’s unique travel theme and change their perception of a dental visit.

Preparing for the First Dental Visit

“I just want to say thank you sooooo much for being such a great doctor!” – Annette, patient’s mother.

At World of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry we are excited to welcome you and your child to the practice and are certain it will be a pleasant experience.

The first visit will consist of a thorough review of your child’s dental and health information and a comprehensive dental examination along with a discussion on proper diet, nutrition and good oral hygiene habits. Usually, a professional dental cleaning, remineralization therapy and any necessary radiographs are also performed during this visit. The information gathered will allow Dr. Stafford to prepare a treatment plan and recommend the best options for your child’s dental care.

You can help us make the first visit enjoyable and positive. It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear or tell “scary” stories about going to the dentist. Words such as “needle”, “shot”, “pull”, “drill” or “hurt” may cause preventable anxiety and make the first dental visit more difficult for your child. At World of Smiles, we strive to make your child’s first dental visit a positive and exciting adventure. Therefore, we use words that are pleasant and non-frightening to your child while explaining what we are doing in “kid-friendly” terms.

“My daughter wasn’t scared at all and she said ‘I LOVE the dentist’” – Audrey, patient’s mother

We encourage you to stay with your child during the initial examination. Our goals include: providing the highest quality of care for your child, developing a positive relationship with you and your child, discussing proper diet, nutrition and oral hygiene as well as answering all questions.

Recommendations of the First Dental Visit

The American Academy of Pediatricians, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists and Dr. Stafford recommend that a child’s first dental visit occur around his/her first birthday or within six months of the eruption of his/her first tooth. This first visit will orient the child to the new experience of a dental office. Also, the parents and/or caregivers will receive information on proper oral hygiene habits, nutrition and diet guidelines. Just as it is important for a child to have Well-Child Check-ups with your pediatrician, it is important for a child to establish a Dental Home. Early education and check-ups can lead to a lifetime of good oral hygiene. We will partner with parents to keep children cavity-free.

Insurance

World of Smiles accepts most insurance plans, and as a courtesy to our valued patients and families, we will prepare your claims and submit them to any insurance that you are contracted with. Please call us if you have any questions regarding our Insurance Policy at 503-626-9700.

Estimated patient portions must be paid at the time of service. Therefore, we accept: Visa, MasterCard, Debit Cards, Checks, Cash, and Care Credit.

 Patient Cooperative of Portland

World of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry is proud to be a part of the network of providers and members that make up the Patient Physician Cooperative of Portland. PPC provides a program that helps the patients by providing access to affordable healthcare, and provides a way for doctors to support their patients who are uninsured.

Members pay a monthly fee and sign an annual contract agreeing to make monthly payments to the Coop. This gives affordable, accessible care from a Dental or Medical Provider that is chosen by the patient and provides preventative care, primary care, office visits, and management of chronic conditions.

World of Smiles is now a provider with the Coop and provides two annual visits per year and a percentage off additional treatment fees, in addition to providing limited emergency exams for a small co-pay. Membership with PPC includes access to allopathic, naturopathic, chiropractic, and acupuncture care, along with nationwide benefits.

For more information, or to begin your membership, visit www.ppcpdxcoop.com today!