First Visit
What to Expect
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.
Please take the time to talk with your child about their upcoming first dental visit. We encourage you to be positive even if you suffer from dental anxiety yourself. Please refrain from discussing your own previous unpleasant dental experiences and don’t use words such as “needle”, “shot”, “pull”, “drill”, or “hurt” that might cause unnecessary fear. Our well-trained staff will convey the same message with words that are pleasant and non-frightening to your child.
Do not worry if you feel like your child will not sit in the dental chair or cry for their first visit. This often happens and we are prepared to examine your child with you sitting knee-to-knee with Dr. Debbie while they sit in your lap and their head falls into Dr. Debbie’s lap. Crying is age-appropriate and is provoked by fear. We are not deterred by crying and will praise your child throughout their appointment.
Please take the time to talk with your child about their upcoming first dental visit. We encourage you to be positive even if you suffer from dental anxiety yourself. Please refrain from discussing your own previous unpleasant dental experiences and don’t use words such as “needle”, “shot”, “pull”, “drill”, or “hurt” that might cause unnecessary fear. Our well-trained staff will convey the same message with words that are pleasant and non-frightening to your child.
Do not worry if you feel like your child will not sit in the dental chair or cry for their first visit. This often happens and we are prepared to examine your child with you sitting knee-to-knee with Dr. Debbie while they sit in your lap and their head falls into Dr. Debbie’s lap. Crying is age-appropriate and is provoked by fear. We are not deterred by crying and will praise your child throughout their appointment.
New Patient Paperwork
Before your child’s first visit, we will text you a link to fill out new patient forms.