First Dental 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 recommends establishing a "Dental Home" for your child by one year of age.
Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.When you contact our office to schedule your child's first dental visit, one of our staff will discuss your schedule, insurance and personal information. Once an appointment time is assigned, we ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time in order to complete new patient paperwork. Paperwork must be completed before we can treat your child for the first time. If convenient, you may pick up the paperwork in advance to complete at home.

What to expect at the first visit.

During the first visit, the dentist will (1) review the medical and any prior dental histories; (2) complete a thorough oral examination to assess growth and development; (3) clean the teeth as indicated and provide suggestions about daily care; (4) evaluate and optimize your child's fluoride exposure because too much or too little can lead to problems; (5) review feeding practices and provide dietary counseling; (6) assess your child's risk of developing tooth decay; (7) provide information regarding oral development. teething, pacifier or finger/thumb sucking habits and injury prevention; and (8) plan for any needed treatment or the next check up. The dentists also will answer any questions you may have.