Your Child’s First Dental Visit for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. By this age, your child’s first teeth are likely emerging, and it’s important to begin proper care early to ensure a healthy smile as they grow.

Preparing for the First Visit

To make the first visit as smooth as possible, here are a few things to prepare:

• Medications: If your child is prescribed any medications, feel free to bring the prescription with you for the doctor’s review.
• Insurance Cards: Don’t forget to bring your dental and medical insurance cards to your appointment.
• Transferring Records: If you’re moving from another dental practice, we’ll request your child’s prior dental records to ensure we have all the information we need for their care.

Making the First Visit Fun and Stress-Free

We understand that a first visit to the dentist can be a big moment. To help reduce anxiety, we encourage you to make the experience exciting and positive! Avoid phrases like “it won’t hurt” or “you won’t get a shot,” as these can unintentionally cause stress. Instead, try saying things like, “The dentist might take special pictures of your teeth using superhero x-ray vision!” or “The dentist is going to count how many teeth you have!” This positive, playful language will help your child feel more at ease.

Scheduling for Success

For younger children (4 years and younger), it’s best to schedule their first visit in the morning when they are more rested and cooperative. This can make a significant difference in your child’s comfort level. We’re happy to provide excuse forms for work or school to accommodate this schedule.

What to Expect at the First Visit

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff, and our specialized dental assistants will guide you and your child to the dental chair. We’ll introduce your child to the dental equipment and start building trust using gentle behavior management techniques.

Once your child feels comfortable, we will clean their teeth and take x-rays if needed. The dentist will then meet with you and your child to perform a thorough examination. During this time, we’ll discuss important topics like cavity prevention, diet, hygiene, thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and fluoride exposure. We’ll also check for any cavities and provide a personalized treatment plan. Our goal is to ensure a positive experience for both you and your child.

We Accept Most Major Insurances

We understand that families have busy schedules, so we offer flexible hours to accommodate your needs. We also accept most major insurances with payment plans to make dental care as accessible as possible.