During the fist visit you can expect your child to receive the following:

• One-on-one age appropriate instruction in proper oral hygiene and diet.
• Cleaning and polishing of the teeth.
• Examination of the teeth and supporting tissues.
• Topical fluoride treatment.
• X-rays, if indicated.

Our state of the art office was designed with both children and adolescent patients in mind. If your child has any previous dental experience, we encourage you to have their dental records, including any recent x-rays, forwarded to our office or bring them with you.

Please fill out a new patient form in advance and bring it with you to your child's first visit. If your child has any discomfort prior to the appointment, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at any time.

We look forward to meeting you!

When should I bring my child for his/her first visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first visit to take place by the first year of age. However, based on our experience, it is our recommendation that 3 years of age is the best age to start professional dental care in our office. Our goal is for the first dental visit to be "fun" and at 3 years of age we are most successful.

How should I prepare my child for their first visit?

Professional dental care is an important part of your child's overall health.  Here are some tips to help prepare your child for their first visit:

• Emphasize the positive aspects of professional dental care.  Tell your child that visiting the dentist will help keep their smile bright and cavity free.
• Inform your child that the dentist and staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions.
• It is best to refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull drill or hurt.  Please DO NOT tell your child that going to the dentist "will not hurt" as this may never have entered their mind.  Our office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.
• If you EXPECT that your child will do well, regardless of any previous dental experiences, chances are they will do just that. 

For patients that are three years of age and older, we ask that you allow them to accompany our staff for their dental visits.  Some separation anxiety is not uncommon in children, so please try not to be concerned if your child seems to be a little anxious. This is normal and will soon diminish. Every one of our staff members is highly experienced in helping children overcome anxiety.  Our experience and studies have shown that most children over the age of 3 are more likely to react positively and openly communicate, at their own developmental level, when permitted to experience the dental visits on their own and in an environment designed for children.