Your Child's First Visit

Your child’s first visit to the dental office can be a cause of anxiety for both child and parent (sometimes for the parent more so than the child!). Remember, however, that our office has a great deal of experience in helping children. It’s not a first visit for the staff!

We found that if the first visit is a pleasant, positive and upbeat experience, your child is unlikely to ever have any apprehension in the future about dentistry or dental procedures. Therefore, unless your child has a dental emergency, very little “treatment” is performed at the first visit. In most cases, the initial visit will include an initial examination and a prophylaxis (polishing) of your child’s teeth. At subsequent check-up visits, radiographs (X-rays to detect hidden cavities) and fluoride treatments will be introduced as your child gains confidence and familiarity with the dental office environment.

We utilize heavily the TELL-SHOW-DO method of introducing children to dentistry. This involves first TELLING your child what is going to happen, then SHOWING your child any instruments that will be used, and then DOING what has been explained. Most children respond well to this routine.

Most importantly, we will spend some time during the first visit teaching your child how to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. By stressing prevention at home, you can help make your child’s visits positive and pleasant.

During the first visit to our office, we do not mind if one parent is in the room while the child becomes oriented. However, we find more success when we can relate directly to the child with questions and answers. We ask the parent to give us an opportunity to establish a relationship with your child. It helps when this trust is built during these simple visits. If further dental treatment is required, the outcome is usually predictable.

Should you have any questions about your child’s dental health, we would be pleased to answer them for you.

Your team at Dental Care…by design

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