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Typically, we suggest bringing your child for their first dental visit at age 3. At that first visit, we will make every effort to make their first dental visit a pleasant one. We will examine their teeth and tissues, assess growth and development, review oral hygiene, check for cavities and/or other problems, clean and polish their teeth. If we feel that the appointment is going well, we may also do a fluoride treatment. If your child begins to get restless, we may determine it is better to wait with a fluoride treatment until the next time they come for an exam and cleaning in six months. We want their first dental experience to be positive, so we prefer not to push the child beyond their comfort level. We want to create a lifetime habit of wanting to come to the dentist.

How can you prepare your child for their first dental visit?

• Tell your child in advance that someone will look at their teeth and clean them. Leave any other explanation of procedures to the dentist and the staff.


• Make going to the dentist a fun adventure that big kids get to do.


• Don't say things like, "It won't hurt." Your child probably did not even think about it hurting, but saying the word "hurt" can put that thought in their head and create fear.


• Do not bribe your child to go to the dentist.


• It usually is best to be prepared to let your child go into the treatment room by themselves. Generally, children will do better when they are not distracted by a parent. They are able to focus on what the hygienist and dentist are explaining to them. Of course, if you are more comfortable coming in with them, we will respect your decision.

When your child arrives for their visit

When your child arrives for their visit, we provide several play activities in our reception room that will occupy your child. We have an activity table with a maze, puzzle, games and a fun, hands-on heat-activated touch drawing board. This is especially fun for the younger children. Gameboys are available, along with several hand-held computer learning games. A choice of movie DVDs can also be played and viewed on our flat screen TV.  ‡