The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by age one.  As pediatric specialists we are well aware that every child is an individual with different personalities ranging form cautious and shy to gregarious and curious.  Regardless of your young child’s personality, our goal is to make your child’s first visit positive, informative and fun.  Our highly trained staff is sensitive to the joys and fears of all children.  Building trust and setting a positive tone for each appointment is highest priority.

At this “Fun Visit,” the dentist will have a chance to evaluate your child’s behavior while providing valuable information to support good home care habits.  They will teach you how to properly clean your child’s teeth daily, discuss any adverse habits such as thumb sucking and identify your child’s fluoride needs.  By starting dental visits at an early age, you will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.

We feel that creating a positive attitude toward dentistry is as important and the dental care itself.  To do this, we use the “Show, Tell and Touch” approach.  We spend the extra time to patiently explain everything that is going to happen at their appointment.  We tell them about the equipment and instruments  and then actually let them turn on the overheard light, the water syringe, the vacuum and the handpiece!  Not until they are completely comfortable with the surroundings in our office will we begin treatment.

Parents often wonder what to say to their small child prior to their first dental visit. You play an important role in preparing your child for his first visit.  Be relaxed and at ease with your child.  Any anxiety on your part will be sensed by your child.  Tell your child that we “count” and may “take pictures” of his teeth and then talk about it afterwards.  Don’t use words that may crate fear in your child such as “hurt, shot, drill, x-ray or needle.”  Don’t relate any negative experiences you may have had as a child, and don’t let other people tell your child stories that may provoke fear.

The dentists, our professional, caring staff and you, the parent, can make this introduction to dentistry a pleasant and rewarding experience for your child.  Our front office staff is always happy to answer your concerns and questions and provide helpful suggestions for encouraging a fun first visit.