What to expect at your child's first dental appointment

Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends that your child visits the dentist by his/her 1st birthday.

As a parent, you can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle”, “shot”, “pull”, “drill” or “hurt”. Our office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

For the first visit, we invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination. For future appointments, we recommend that you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We will be able to establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child’s confidence and trust, and to overcome their apprehension. However, if you choose to, you may come with your child to the treatment room. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.