Your First Visit
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. Having a "Dental Home" helps to establish a relationship with your caregivers and an effective routine in your child's oral care.
You can help in making your child's first visit to the dentist an enjoyable one. Explain to your child what the visit is for and that the dentist and staff will answer any questions and make every effort to make it a fun experience.
One of the best ways of avoiding unnecessary fear, is using pleasant language when describing any procedures. Avoiding words such as "pull", "needle", "shot" or "hurt" will help in keeping the child free from worry. We use this same policy and make it a priority to ensure that your child is as comfortable as possible.
We understand that your child's comfort is very important to you. During his/her initial examination, you are free to stay with your child throughout the process. During future appointments, our suggestion is that you allow your child to accompany our staff through their procedure. In most cases, it helps to establish a rapport with your child when you are not present. This way, we can gain your child's trust and help to keep them from feeling anxious. Although, if you choose, you are more than welcome to stay with your child during their dental experience. For safety and privacy purposes, other children who are not being treated are asked to remain in the waiting room with a supervising adult.
