First Visit

We are pleased to be your dental partner as you bring your child in for their first appointment.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by age 1. Because the first visit is very important, we have crafted an experience that is focused on making your child comfortable and creating a trusted relationship. Our philosophy is “tell, show, do”; We use simple language to explain what we are going to do, we show them using props, and then we complete that procedure while maintaining communication with the child. We always welcome parents to join their kids in the room – some of our infant and toddler patients even sit in their mom or dad’s lap during the exam.

The first appointment will consist of a gentle examination and cleaning. Depending on the age and comfort level of the child, we may get x-rays to help us diagnose a variety of conditions such as cavities, jaw abnormalities, cysts, tumors, and missing teeth.

Get your child ready for their first appointment:

One of the best things you can do to get your child ready for their first dentist appointment is to speak positively about your own experiences. Often the way to make your child comfortable is just by showing them how comfortable you are. You know your child best, but here are ideas to try:

• Share how good it feels to get your teeth cleaned and know that your teeth and gums are healthy.
• Play dentist at home.
• Read books about the dentist and teeth. Some of our favorites are The Tooth Book by Dr. Suess, Doctor De Soto, Moose’s Loose Tooth, and What If You Had Animal Teeth?
• If your child has a special toy or a blanket, have them bring it to the appointment. We check teeth of dolls and stuffed animals, too, so if your child has a favorite one, please bring it!