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.
We strive to make each and every visit to
our office a fun one!