What will I need for my 1st visit?

When you arrive for your first visit, please arrive about 15 mins before your appointment so we can gather all necessary insurance information,and health information forms that will allow us to begin your dental treatment.

We will ask you to fill out our New Patient Forms available on our New Patient Page that will help us get acquainted with you.

If you are unable to make the appointment you have scheduled with us, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. We would be glad to reschedule the appointment at a more convenient time, if necessary. In the meantime, we look forward to meeting you and serving your needs.

Please remember to bring your drivers license, list of all current medications and any dental insurance cards that might apply to you or your family when you come. We can then include this information with your records.

What is involved with the initial 1st exam?

The initial exam will last approximately one hour. We start the dental exam by addressing any concerns you may have. Then, we will typically take our own set of full mouth X-rays using our low-dose digital X-ray machine reviewing every picture on our chair mounted computer monitor to help the patients see what we see in every X-ray.  Educating our patients about everything to we can come up with a treatment plan together.

The exam will include an in depth review of your medical/medications/supplements, a Head and Neck exam/Oral Cancer screening, and full TMJ evaluation.  

We will then examine your teeth and gums. After charting and noting
the health of your teeth and gums, we will provide an evaluation that will outline any existing dental problems along with proposed treatment plan.

Oral hygiene instructions will be provided along with suggestions to help you care for your teeth.

We will customize your cleaning needs around the health of your gums.

Can I use my insurance?

We are participating(In Network) with many major dental insurances and we will continually working to help increase our insurance networks.  At this time we are in network with many of the United Concordia, Guardian, Aetna, Cigna Radius, and Dentemax.  Please contact your insurance to see if we are in your network.

Our office is focused on Quality Dental Care all treatment plans will be individuallized for each patient.  Our goal to to help you maximize your dental benefits but your dental health and treatment can’t always be dictated by dental benefits. 

Your treatment plan will include a estimated breakdown of all applicable fees,
and we will inform you of all estimated costs before treatment is administered.
Charges are payable at the time of treatment.

We can file most insurance claims for you. Please bring your insurance
plan information with you on your first visit. We will work with you to ensure
that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. After a review
of your insurance coverage for all necessary dental procedures, we will
determine your itemized cost for each procedure.

We do expect payment for services as they are rendered also, copayments, or coinsurances are expected at the time of the appointment. Although our office processes all of your insurance forms as a convenience to you, please understand we are not responsible for what your insurance does or does not pay toward your dental care.
You are ultimately responsible for all dental expenses not covered by your
dental insurance. We currently accept Visa, Mastercard, Debit Cards, personal
checks, and cash. We encourage you to contact us if your policy has not paid
within 30 days.

What is the difference between a Family Dentist and my regular dentist?

Family dentistry, like general dentistry, provides services related to the general
maintenance of oral hygiene and tooth health. The terms family dentistry and
general dentistry are often used interchangeably, though there is a slight difference
between the two.

Can I bring my whole family to be treated at Hershey Dental Associates, LLC?

Some dentists restrict their practice to certain age groups. For example,
pedodontists restrict their practice to providing dental care and treatment to
young children. Family dentists, like Dr. Buehner and Dr. Layton, typically care for a wide variety of patients, from young children to older adults. Family dentists are responsible for ensuring that plaque buildup around the teeth is kept to a minimum, that tooth decay is eliminated and cavities are filled, and that gums remain healthy.

How often should we visit Hershey Dental Associates for a check-up?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit your family dentist for a checkup a minimum of two times each year. Such checkups provide routine or deep cleanings to eliminate plaque buildup and prevent tooth decay. If necessary, they also provide fluoride treatments to help coat the teeth, a procedure also important in the prevention of tooth decay. Preventative dental checkups can help with the detection of oral health problems long before the onset of symptoms.

Do Dr’s Buehner and Layton provide Cosmetic Dentistry?

Although family dentists are typically associated with preventative and restorative
dentistry, many dentists like Dr. Buehner and Layton pursue additional training in order to
provide cosmetic dentistry services such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, bonding, Snap on Smile and
Clear aligners(invisible orthodontics). Family dentists who perform cosmetic
procedures normally refer to themselves as family and cosmetic dentists.

I need to have root canal treatment. Can I be treated at Hershey Dental Associates for that?

Dr. Buehner and Layton have more training than the typical family dentist, though we will
occasionally refer some people to a dental specialist if specific treatments are
required. Specialists may include orthodontists (for teeth straightening),
endodontists (for more complex root canal treatments), periodontist (for tissue surgery
or implant placement) and maxillofacial surgeons (for oral surgery).