Nimkee Memorial Welness Center

Nimkee Dental Clinic

Dental Appointment Information

Appointment Policy

  • All dental appointments must be confirmed the day prior to the appointment by 2pm to hold the appointment time.

Dental Appointment Information for Minor Patients

If anyone other than a parent or legal guardian will be bringing a minor (under the age of 18 years) patient, the parent or legal guardian must first complete a “Permission to Treat a Minor Without a Parent/Legal Guardian Present” form giving permission to another adult (18 years or older) to accompany the minor and make decisions about their dental treatment.  This form is valid for one year.

When a parent/legal guardian is accompanying a minor child (under the age of 18 years) to their dental appointment it is required that they remain in the dental waiting room or treatment room during the minor’s entire appointment.  If the parent/guardian is unable to stay for the minor’s entire appointment, the appointment will be rescheduled for a time that the parent/guardian can stay for the entire appointment.

Minors age 16 and 17 years may come alone for certain dental appointments, including teeth cleanings, fluoride applications, recall exam and radiographs, and sealants, provided a “Permission to Treat a Minor without a Parent/Legal Guardian Present” form from their parent or legal guardian has been completed.  This form is valid for one year.  All other dental treatment not listed above for minors age 16 and 17 years will require a parent/legal guardian or assigned adult (via “Permission to Treat a Minor Without a Parent/Legal Guardian Present” form) to be present.

Permission to Treat a Minor Without a Parent or Legal Guardian Present.pdf

Premedication

  • Certain medical conditions require antibiotics to be taken one hour prior to some dental appointments to prevent infection.
    • Conditions include but are not limited to: heart surgeries, artificial joints
    • Patients should check with their medical doctors if they are in doubt about their need to be pre-medicated.
    • Patients should notify the dental staff at each appointment of:
      • complete health history
      • new developments in their health, so that needs can be assessed and antibiotics given if indicated

Pregnancy

  • Dental Treatment can be provided to a pregnant woman
  • An OB Release for dental treatment must be signed by the patient's OB doctor
    • The release must be in the patient chart prior to treatment
  • Treatment rendered may vary depending on:
    • Type of treatment needed
    • Stage of pregnancy
  • Any dental emergency during a pregnancy should be evaluated immediately

Allergies

  • Patients should always indicate any allergies on the Dental Health History form
  • Certain types of allergies will determine what type of local anesthetic a patient is given (or not given) during dental procedures

Medications

  • Patients should always indicate current medications on the Dental Health History Form
  • Many common medications may have an effect on the dental treatment being given
  • Medications that have an effect on clotting time during extractions or surgical procedures are but are not limited to:
    • Aspirin
    • Coumadin
    • Blood Thinners
    • Some herbal and over the counter drugs/supplements