Information for Parents Child's First VisitThe first dental visit is the foundation of a growing relationship between our dental office and your child. We feel it is important that your child be allowed to become familiar with our office environment and staff as soon as their teeth start to appear. At the new patient appointment, the dentist and staff will spend quality time getting to know you and your child. We teach your child to be comfortable with dentistry by explaining the procedures and demonstrating the equipment in a fun and imaginative way. The office visit will include a thorough oral examination, x-rays if required, a cleaning and fluoride application. A complete review of your child’s medical health and any special needs or concerns will be addressed. More complicated procedures, such as fillings, should would be done at a later visit after your child has become familiar with the office and we have assessed their needs. We conclude the first visit with an office tour. Your child will also receive stickers, a prize, toothbrush and floss, as well as an oral hygiene demonstration and nutrition counseling. You will receive a summary of your child’s oral health and future dental needs. We look forward to your visit and hope you and your child will have the dental experience of a lifetime. Many parents want to know when their child’s first appointment should be scheduled. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit should be scheduled when the first tooth comes in and no later than their first birthday. We specialize in infant oral health exams and parent education. Baby teeth are needed for proper chewing, learning to talk, developing jaw muscles, and good self-image. Healthy baby teeth mean a better chance for healthy adult teeth.  Our office places great emphasis on preventive measures. Cavities in baby or adult teeth may result in pain, swelling, and infection. Children with pain cannot concentrate in the classroom, may develop behavioral problems and are unable to eat properly. Without the ability to eat normally, development of the body and brain may suffer. Regular preventive visits every six months will minimize cavities and other dental problems.How Parents Can HelpWe feel parental involvement is extremely important. Preparing your child for the first visit by reading recommended books, playing pretend dentist and being positive about the dental experience is very helpful. At the end of each appointment, parents are encouraged to reward their child with words of praise for a job well done. We enjoy establishing a trusting friendship with each child and their parents. We teach parents that it is fun to converse with their child using our gentle dental terminology. Nutritional counseling is provided to parents that will assist them with packing lunches and snacks for school. We also help parents figure out what may be the cause of cavities for their child and give them many ideas for preventing dental decay. Reccomended Books
Gentle Dental Terminology
Please log into the patient portal and fill out forms prior to your first visit so we can make your child’s visit as enjoyable as possible. Patient Portal |
