Your child’s first visit, step by step

When should the first visit be?

By the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth showing up, whichever comes first. That is the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, and it is what we recommend too. It is earlier than most parents expect, and for good reason: the first visit is mostly about getting comfortable, spotting anything early, and answering your questions about teething, bottles, thumbs and brushing.

Older child who has never been? It is never too late, and there is no lecture waiting. We see kids from the first tooth through the teen years.

What to bring

• Your insurance card, or send us the details when you request the visit so we can check the plan before you arrive. See the plans we take.
• A list of any medications and health conditions. We go through the health history together at the visit.
• Your questions. Write them down on the way in. Nothing is too small.
• Something comforting. A favorite toy, a blanket, headphones or sunglasses are all welcome in the chair.

How to get your child ready

Keep the words simple and light

We say “count your teeth” and “tickle brush,” not “hurt” or “shot.” Kids borrow the feelings of the grown-ups around them, so if you are nervous, keep it to yourself and keep it light.

Practice the moves

Opening wide, counting teeth with a finger or a toothbrush, lying back with a pillow. Make it a game and keep it short.

Look at the office together

The photos on our homepage and contact page show the front door, the lobby and the chairs, so nothing here is brand new on the day.

Pick a good time of day

Tell us when your child is usually at their best, after a nap or a snack, and we will do our best to book around it.

Tell us the history

If a past visit somewhere else went badly, say so when you book. Knowing what happened lets us plan a different first step.

What happens, step by step

1. A warm hello Walk in to a bright space and a front desk that knows your name. Keep an eye out for our office greeter pup.
2. Room to warm up Kid-sized seating and things to look at while nerves settle. We do not pull your child straight into the chair.
3. Show, then do We explain every step in kid words and show the tools before they go anywhere near a mouth. Your child can say stop, and we listen.
4. The look The doctor checks teeth, gums and how the bite is coming in, cleans and polishes if your child is up for it, and talks fluoride and home care with you. X-rays only when there is a reason, and they are digital.
5. High-fives and a plan Every visit ends on a win. You leave knowing exactly what comes next, and most kids leave already asking when they get to come back.

Parents stay chairside

You are welcome at your child’s side the whole time, every visit, no exceptions. Sit close, hold a hand, ask anything. And if your child is not ready for a step, we stop. There is no pushing through. We note what worked and try again another day, usually further along than the last time.

Child with autism or sensory differences? Our autism visit guide goes deeper on how we adapt the day.

Questions parents ask

How long does it take?

Ask when you book, and plan on it being unhurried. The first visit is never rushed, and getting comfortable counts as progress.

What if my child cries?

Normal. Some kids cry through the whole first visit and come back grinning. We go at their pace, and crying never changes how gentle we are.

Do you see babies?

Yes. From the first tooth on, and all the way through the teen years.

Will there be X-rays?

Only when there is a reason, and they are digital. Many first visits have none at all.

What does it cost?

We accept most major dental plans and check yours before the visit, so there are no surprises at the desk. Insurance details.