Smile Starters

I’ve been taking my children here since my children were newborns. Many of the staff have been working here for a very long time and every 6 months that we visit, they are always greeting us with a happy face and know who we are. Now it is definitely not perfect but considering the patients they work with and the many insurances they work with including Medicaid, I have to be realistic about my expectations. SO, here are the PROS and CONS.
CONS — The lobby bathrooms could always use a deep cleaning so it wont smell too much of urine. I just try to have my children potty at home before we get there but of course, sometimes going is just inevitable.
If you make any appointment later than first thing in the morning, the wait for a parent who must stay with their child can go from 45 minutes to almost 1.5 hours or maybe even a little longer depending on the day as well as if the child may need additional treatment. Of course, if the child needs additional treatment, sometimes they can do it right then or they will give you as the parent to reschedule for another more convenient time. But otherwise, I would say bring a book to read or something to do to keep yourself busy while you wait.
Considering it is a Medicaid office and probably the ONLY pediatric dentistry that accepts Medicaid in the area, the children with their parents fill up the lobby and finding good seating can be difficult.
PROS — The staff has always been more than friendly towards myself and my children. Yes, it is off a busy street but convenient. We love the location. We like that there is a play area in the lobby with child friendly art and toys. There is also a place where children can play video games (which it does not always work). They also have two tvs that play Disney movies the entire time.
As a parent, we also have the option of going inside past the lobby area to view our children through a large glass window where we can see them get their treatment. My children have almost always loved their experience as they wait their turn and especially love getting their prizes. If your child is under a certain age, parents go back with their children to assist and make their children feel more at ease until they are older and more comfortable.
Anyhow, I may or may not have gotten all points in as this is already a long review, however, I feel that considering what type of office it is. This place is a great place for children to get the care they really need. The wait may be longer, and sometimes it is the patient’s parents that might make the lobby area a little ghetto eating food in there while they shouldn’t be or talking loud or leaving when they should be staying as their child is treated. Yes. It’s not perfect and quick like other places. But when you have no choice to come here because there is no other place that accepts your insurance, it is understandable and personally, I really like Smile Starters. Realistically, this pediatric dentistry is performing well and doing well considering the wonderful services they offer.

I generally avoid 1^st reviews. I prefer to take a mean or average before finalizing my position.
Here’s the deal: this place is off putting upon entry. I couldn’t place my finger on it but with 8 more minutes — I got it.
First, the lobby is decorative. Just akin to a department of correction dayroom. That’s a prison visit room for y’all who’ll swear you’ve never been to one or saw one even on The Orange Is the New Black. And remember OITNB is federal not state. I have more time with state and county facilities and most in Wisconsin were new unlike Louisiana.
Second, we were barely greeted. No worries it’s a holiday. MLK & even I have to work & my family hates it. So I’m ok with not a lot of friendliness on the holiday.
Third, when called back to the front window to complete paperwork… There’s no paperwork. It’s all digital (kudos) but I need to read what I’m signing. While I’m signing and here’s the kicker …
3B — the kid has to have a picture taken. I’m like is this an insurance policy or your asking. Nope their office is worried about fraud. Well, heck that’s what x-​rays and patient rapport is for. Or moreover, ask me for ID and I’ll present that even a passport if so desired.
4^th — upon completing the paperwork the minor child realized the rudeness was flowing. I later was told in the car the receptionist huffed and threw her hands up while she had to wait for me to take 7 seconds to search the last dental visit date. Oh by the way! I didn’t mention during my initial booking — I gave that info and requested the records to be sent to their office from 2 other offices.
5^th — the consultant room is a standing room only place. Not a desk or seat in site. Picture posted.
6^th — After the hygienist consults with us. We’re sent out to the lobby. Then called back by another hygienist (which was quick) who called parent & child (I guess they thought I wasn’t interested or maybe other parents are not interested as I read a posted sign telling parents «NOT TO LEAVE or their child would not be seen» what the what~ at any rate… I was asked again when was the last dental visit.
Is it hard to read? Do people not care to read? Does anyone communicate with one another?
Xrays were done. Watched a male hygienist clean said teeth. Then we waited. And waited. And waited. 1 official hour passed and my battery started to die so I politely asked if they were reviewing the Xrays or if the Doctor was formulating a treatment plan. This is when I learned
8^th = There’s 1 doctor to 8 chairs. Now, I’ve worked a dental office. Visited one for more than 20 years and I’ve never seen such a hustle. I took pause to praise the doctor on her work ethic and ability to juggle based on what I saw today.
9^th — Wrap Up: If you have no other options… Then go here.
If you don’t mind being treated like a herd of cattle on the assembly line this is your place. If you’re a Dental student then come early, leave late, take notes of what not to do. If you’re a sociology grad student then this place should be on your radar for group habits/​behaviors and social justice as to why Medicaid & TriCare should pay more for rates or private practitioners need to lower their rates to a number the government seems to think is acceptable. I’m projecting that these folks churn you through the process because they feel the federal government rates are so bottom barrel that they have to get as many in as possible to cover the books and reap a profit.