New Patient Information and Resources in Asheville, NC
Starting with a new dental office is easier when you know what to expect before you arrive. This page brings together what Asheville families need to prepare, from your child’s first visit to forms, insurance, and common questions.
5 Stars“Amazing pediatric dentist!! Dr. Dan is great and patient with the kids. All the staff are amazing and sweet.. my son has ADHD so he can be talkative and hyper and they still are patient and funny with him.. 10/10 recommend”Felica A.
5 Stars“Fantastic! Super charming, professional, efficient. My nervous little hypochondriac went in there terrified, and the calm, cool staff at BR pediatric dentistry set her at ease and pulled two teeth in what felt like seconds. Lovely miniature train set, as well! 10/10 would recommend!!!”Jeffrey S.
5 Stars“My boys are 5 & 7 so we have years of experience with Doctor Dan and his staff. We moved to Black Mountain 4 years ago but it’s worth the drive for our children to have a good dental experience. Always a great atmosphere, everyone goes above and beyond to make sure our children feel safe and comfortable. Doctor Dan not only did our sons dental surgery but also personally reached out to us to check on our son after he had surgery! That meant a lot! Great place, Maggie is just the cherry on top🐾”Jolea E.
New families join a practice with deep roots in the Asheville community. Dr. Dan Knechtel founded Blue Ridge Pediatric Dentistry in 2011, served as president of the Buncombe County Dental Society in 2013, and has lived in Asheville since 2008. He is a board-certified pediatric dentist who sees children from age one through the late teen years, and because he is the practice’s only dentist, your child will see him at every visit. No referral is needed to become a patient.
I want parents to leave the first visit feeling like they have a partner. We will explain what we see, answer every question, and make a plan together.
— Dr. Dan Knechtel
Everything you need before and after your child’s first visit is on these pages:
Getting Ready for Your Child’s First Visit
A first dental visit gives families a chance to discuss oral health, tooth development, and concerns about their child’s teeth. Before the appointment, make a note of symptoms, past dental experiences, and questions about brushing, eating habits, or teething. Share any discomfort or changes you have noticed, even if your child has not mentioned them.
Keep conversations with your child simple and calm. Explain that a dentist looks at teeth and helps people care for their mouths. Avoid promising that a particular treatment will or will not happen. Our new-patient resources include Your Child’s First Visit, New Patient Forms, Insurance & Financial Information, and Frequently Asked Questions.
Preparing Health Information and Forms
Accurate health information helps a dentist consider a child’s needs when recommending care. Have your child’s medical history, current medications, allergies, and previous dental information available. Include health conditions or past reactions to medicines that could affect dental treatment.
Before your appointment, confirm which new patient forms are needed and how to submit them. Useful questions to settle ahead of time include:
- What information should a parent or caregiver bring?
- Are previous dental records needed?
- What consent information is required if another caregiver brings the child?
- How should changes in medical history or medications be reported?
Planning for Insurance and Dental Costs
Dental benefits vary by plan, and coverage does not always pay the full cost of care. Check your plan’s network requirements, deductibles, benefit limits, and exclusions before treatment. A service being covered does not necessarily mean there will be no out-of-pocket expense.
Our resources include Insurance & Financial Information. Contact the practice and your insurer to confirm participation, coverage questions, and any financial arrangements before making decisions. For proposed treatment, request an explanation of the recommended care and its expected costs so you can consider both the dental needs and the financial details.
Dental Care as Your Child Grows
We offer preventive care that includes dental cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, cavity risk assessment, and growth and development monitoring. Infant oral care and teething, an age one dental visit, and nutrition and home care for kids are also part of our services. Preventive recommendations depend on a child’s teeth, oral health, and risk factors.
When teeth need treatment, our restorative services include tooth-colored fillings, pediatric crowns, pulp therapy, tooth extractions, and space maintainers. We also offer behavior guidance and comfort options and emergency care. A recommendation for any of these services depends on the concern being treated, rather than age alone.
Questions and Oral Health Between Visits
Daily home care supports children’s oral health between dental appointments. Help your child brush with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth that touch. Ask a dental professional about the amount of toothpaste, brushing assistance, and cleaning methods appropriate for your child. Frequent sugary snacks and drinks can increase cavity risk, so eating and drinking habits are useful topics to discuss.
Contact a dentist about tooth pain, swelling, a broken tooth, or a dental injury rather than waiting for a routine visit. Trouble breathing or swallowing, or a serious facial injury, calls for urgent medical attention. Keep notes about when a symptom began and what makes it better or worse so you can describe the concern clearly.
Why Choose Blue Ridge Pediatric Dentistry?
Getting started is simple. No referral is needed, parents are invited to stay with their child during appointments, and our team will help you confirm insurance before the first visit.
New families also appreciate not having to get used to a new dentist each time. Dr. Dan Knechtel sees every patient, so the dentist who meets your child at the first visit is the same one who will follow their care for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
No referral is required. If another dentist referred your child, we review the medical history and records that come with the referral and may take additional X-rays if they are needed.
Bring your insurance card, a list of your child’s medications and allergies, and any previous dental records or X-rays. Completing the new patient forms ahead of time keeps check-in simple.
Keep it simple and positive, and let our team explain each step in kid-friendly language. Avoid words that can sound scary, such as needle, shot, pull, drill, or hurt. Read more about your child’s first visit.
We accept dental insurance and major credit cards. Contact our office before your child’s visit to confirm whether your plan is accepted. See insurance and financial information for details.
Yes. Blue Ridge Pediatric Dentistry is a solo-dentist practice, so your child sees Dr. Dan Knechtel from visit to visit, supported by our hygienists and dental assistants.
Contact Us About Starting Pediatric Dental Care in Asheville
Contact Blue Ridge Pediatric Dentistry for new patient information and resources in Asheville, NC. We invite you to discuss your child’s dental needs and raise questions about preparing for a first visit, new patient forms, and insurance and financial information.
