The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit to be no later than your children 1st birthday. A child’s preparation for a dental visit begins long before you step into the office. Here are a few simple tips to help you, and your child have a positive experience and feel comfortable on your first dental visit.

• We encourage parents to schedule appointment in the morning for children of age five or younger. It’s important that your children is well rested for his/her appointment, this minimize anxieties and allows our child to have a relaxed first visit experience.
• et your children know in advance about their dental visit in a positive way. Explain that a doctor/friend will help him/her clean and get your teeth bright and shiny. Talk to him/her about fun things, for example you can say, “not only the doc will make your teeth shine, but also will count and take pictures of them”
• A visit to the dentist should be viewed as something normal, and not something that required special bravery. Avoid using a dental visit as a threat
• Make sure you don’t use any negative words about the dental treatment. Comments such as, “the doctor won’t hurt you”, need to be avoided, since such a thought might have never crossed your child‘s mind. Do not use terms such as “pull”, “shot”, “drill” etc. The dental office is specially trained to avoid all those terms to make sure your child feel comfortable, safe, and unafraid during the dental procedure.
• We know sometimes it’s difficult for parents to cope with the fact your young child will be treated in a dental office, but it’s important to avoid transferring your anxiety to your child. Try to “be cool” and remember that Dr E and her staff have been specially trained to treat young children. Also remember that check-ups and initial visits most of the time do not require any complex or difficult procedures. 
• Parents are welcome to be present during the examination. The parent should act as a passive observer and be supportive of the doctor and her team. How parents behave during the dental procedure is very important, since it can affect the way your child reacts to the that and future dental visits. Make sure you follow the doctor’s advice during the procedure.
• Make sure you compliment the behavior of your child after the appointment has ended.

You’ll be given an office tour to get your child and you familiarized with the facility:

• You’ll meet the doctor and the staff.
• You’ll be giving an office tour to get your child and you familiarized with the facility.
• For one year olds, the consultation will happen in our special “starts” room. This is a non-threatening office where the doctor not only examine the child’s teeth, but will also will spend most of the time talking to  and training parents on how to achieve and maintain excellent oral health care for years to come.
• For older kids, the appointment will happen either in the “earth” or open space “planetarium” room, where the doctor will do a complete mouth examination.
• Generally speaking, a first examination includes, but is not limited to the following:
  - Looking for cavities.
  - Evaluating occlusion (how the teeth come together).
  - Evaluating childhood habits (nail biting, thumb sucking, etc).
  - Cleaning, flossing teeth.
  - Obtaining X-rays (if needed) for diagnostic purposes, using our digital x-ray equipment.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve your children and we want to make sure your first visit is enjoyable and pleasant.