We try hard to develop relationships with our patients that are based on
trust, love and understanding. Fun and laugher are our norm in our
office.
An early start in regular
dental care is an important step in your child’s road to total health. The
American Association for Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children
visit a dentist by age one.
Our
practice is currently piloting an infant oral health program. At the
infant dental visit, our pediatric oral health educators will consult with
the parents, examine the infant and apply topical fluoride if indicated.
Follow-up visits with the doctor will be scheduled according to the
individual needs of the child.
Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your
child. Convey good
feelings to your child about dental visits being a part of
growing up. Please
do not tell your child that the dentist will not “hurt”, as this
may never have entered their mind.
Explain that the dentist will be gentle and friendly.
Please do not use the words needle, drill, shot, pull or any
other words suggesting unpleasantness.
Expect your child to do well and enjoy the first visit to
our office and, chances are, they will do exactly that.
One
parent is welcome to accompany each child on his/her first
visit. At
subsequent visits, we ask that you allow our staff to accompany
your child through the dental experience.
Studies and experience have shown that most children over
the age of three react more positively when permitted to
experience the dental visit on their own and in an environment
designed for children.
During
the first visit, our dental team will introduce your child to a
dental cleaning. We
will most often accomplish this in the open bay area so the new
patients can learn from our more experienced dental patients.
If your child is not ready for a cleaning in the open
bay, one of our doctors will examine him/her in your lap in a
smaller room.
Radiographs (x-rays) are taken when the dentist feels they are
necessary. They allow us to detect problems we cannot see
visually.
At your child’s first visit, our staff will take a photograph of
your child with a stuffed animal, toy or in the dental chair.
This is for you and your child to take home to remember
your child’s first visit for years to come.
For optimum dental treatment for your child, we recommend a
dental exam and cleaning every six months. This allows us to
maintain an emotional rapport and trust with your child, as well
as detect dental problems when they first occur.
We strive to make each and every visit to
our office a fun one!
