First Visit

Creating a Welcoming Dental Home

Our office, as well as the 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.

The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the Emergency Room for parents.

Your First Visit

You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. If old enough, your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.

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”. The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

During the Visit

Parents are invited to stay with your child during the initial and future recall examinations. This allows the doctor time to review necessary xrays and proper Q&A time with both parents.

Treatment Appointments: If there are future filling/extraction appointments, we suggest one parent in the room so there are less distractions for your child. Our purpose is to gain your child’s confidence and overcome apprehension. 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. This ensures your undivided attention for your child. You may be asked to reschedule if other siblings do not have proper supervision. We strive to make each and every visit to our office a fun one!