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.