After obtaining a B.S. Degree in Biology from the University of Central Arkansas, he was accepted into the University Of Tennessee College Of Dentistry where he graduated with a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree in 1986. After graduation, he entered the United States Air Force Dental Corps where he completed his general practice residency.
Dr. Ken served a total of eight years in the Air Force as a general dentist and achieved the rank of Major. After leaving the military, he was accepted for specialty training in the University of Tennessee Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program.
Dr. Ken is licensed and credentialed to provide in office conscious sedation and is PALS (pediatric advanced life support) certified. He is on staff with North Mississippi Medical Center and with North MS Out Patient Surgery Center.
Our treatments are most often done in the morning hours because children tend to be more cooperative and attentive for treatment. Usually, children are tired and not ready for restorative work during afternoon hours. We understand that school is important, but we also feel strongly that your childs oral health is just as important if not more as studies have shown that children in dental pain miss more days of school and have a harder time concentrating in school
We are happy that you have dental insurance for your child. Since there are many insurance companies and they all cover at different rates, it is very confusing for the dental office and the parent to know what insurance will actually pay. To keep things as simple as possible and less confusing, our office policy is to charge the same fee to all patients so it is as fair as possible.
We will accept payment from your insurance company, but insurance usually only pays a portion of the cost. We will give you an estimate of your portion based on our experience working with your company. This means that after your insurance has paid, you may be required to pay an additional payment or you may receive a refund.
Depending on the age of your child, he or she will either be given a knee-to-knee examination (where your babys head will rest on our doctors knee while their body is on your lap) or a regular exam in the doctors chair.
Oral hygiene instructions will also be given with suggestions to help your child care for their own teeth. In most cases, we will also clean their teeth on this visit, and provide an evaluation that will outline any existing dental problems and proposed treatment.
Pediatric Dentistry is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of young people. After completing a four-year dental school curriculum, two additional years of rigorous training are required to become a pediatric dentist. This specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares a pediatric dentist to meet the needs of infants, and children.
During their extended training, pediatric dentists study the specific growth and development cycles of children as well as learn child psychology to manage the behavioral aspects of children. They have an understanding of how to make young children feel safe in what can be an intimidating and scary environment.
Unlike a regular dental office, a pediatric dentist's office is designed with kids in mind. We have created a KID friendly office, from our open bay operatory with dental chairs designed especially for children, to TVs mounted on the ceiling.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents and other care providers to help every child establish a dental home by 12 months of age. Establishing a dental home provides some key components to dental care for your child including...