Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric
Dentistry, recommends that your child visit the dentist by his/her 1st
birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and
positive. 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.
We invite you to
stay with your child during the initial examination. During future
appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through
the dental experience. We can usually establish a closer rapport with your
child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child's
confidence and overcome apprehension. However, if you choose, you may come
with your child to the treatment room. 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.
We strive to make each and every visit to
our office a fun one!