Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends that your child visit the dentist by his or her first birthday. You can make visits to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Once your young child becomes verbal, discuss the upcoming visit, telling him or her that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.
The office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience and when time is available. Preschool children should be seen in the morning because they are fresher and we can work more slowly with the child for their comfort. School children with a lot of work to be done should be seen in the morning for the same reason. Dental appointments are an excused absence. Missing school can be kept to a minimum when regular dental care is continued.
We ask that you please notify our office 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time if you are unable to keep your appointment. Another patient who needs our care could be scheduled if we have sufficient time to notify them. We realize that unexpected things can happen, but we ask for your assistance in this regard.
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. A parent or legal guardian is required to accompany patient to each appointment.
Before bringing your child to us for the first time, please prepare him or her for this new experience. For young children, there are excellent children's stories which describe a visit to the dentist. Our personal favorite is Dora the Explorer, Show Me Your Smile. Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child. Convey good feelings to your child about dental visits being a part of growing up. Please do not say, “The dentist will not hurt you.” Instead say, “The dentist is going to show you lots of new and fun things to make your teeth sparkle.” Morning appointments for little ones will catch them when they are most refreshed and most accepting of new experiences. Expect your child to react well and enjoy the first visit to our office and chances are he or she will do exactly that.
We must also be thoroughly prepared for providing the best possible care for your child. Please be candid in providing us with ALL information pertinent to your child’s dental, medical and social situation.
When you schedule the first appointment, we will mail you patient registration and health history forms for your completion. For children under age four, we begin the first visit by introducing ourselves and the office environment. Before a thorough exam is performed. We believe in having the child determine the pace of the first visit, and if your son or daughter is so inclined and ready, we will perform a thorough cleaning, fluoride treatment and any necessary radiographs (x-rays) if neccessary. After a thorough study of our findings, we will prepare a treatment plan for your child’s dental needs, your time constraints and budget. Please do not be upset if your child cries. Children are often afraid of anything new and strange, and crying is a normal reaction. Please permit us the time to develop rapport with your child. After the first visit, encourage his or her independence and allow us the privilege of bringing your child back alone. Parents and siblings are welcome in the treatment area.
We Strive to Make Each and Every Visit to Our Office Fun!
