All About Office Visits

When to Schedule your first visit:

Our office, as well as The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care. The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the Emergency Room for parents.

Studies have shown that children seen at an early age are more likely to grow up cavity free with great oral health. This one-on-one, first birthday dental care visit will cover issues related to the child’s diet, snacking, habits and overall health of their mouth, teeth and gums. Specific prevention recommendations will be made for each child. Our office enjoys seeing young children for their first dental visit. These appointments show our commitment to educating our community and promoting great oral health.

A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and his staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. If possible, allow the child to sit in a parent’s lap in the exam room. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.

We want your child to graduate from our practice with a healthy dentition and a positive attitude toward dental care. A healthy dentition is free from decay, periodontal disease and malocclusion. The prevention of dental disease is a team effort, so don’t be surprised if we ask for your help at our office. 

Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child. Convey good feelings to your child about dental visits being a part of growing up. Explain that the dentist will look at and count all of his or her teeth. Please do not tell your child that the dentist will not hurt, as this may have never entered his or her mind. Rather, emphasize that the dentist will be gentle and friendly. Avoid using words like needle, drill, shot, pull or any other word suggesting unpleasantness. Expect your child to do well and enjoy the first visit to our office; chances are, they will.