Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist

Each and every child must have a first at the dental clinic, how you prepare the child and yourself can make a difference on how that FIRST dental visit goes. Here are some helpful hints:

Be there for your child and be a role model in the dental visit.
If you are going to be there during the visit, then it’s important you are able to keep a positive attitude. If you’re afraid of the dentist then you could easily transfer these negative emotions to your child. Sometimes if you show fear during the first visit, it can last a lifetime. 
It’s sometimes hard for parents to realize, but most kids are comfortable during the first visit. Most are very curious about things around the office. If all the NEW things are explained to a child, they are enthusiastic about trying them out.  Do not bring up past dental experiences or show emotion around your child. What they learn from you they will model. Your feelings can be very different from the feelings of your child. Remember that dental anxieties can be learned, you must be very careful not to pass those fears down to your child.

Tips
Your goal is to provide moral support. We ask that you support us as the authority figure while we’re working with your child. Try to speak in a low, calm voice and try not to repeat what we ask of your child. We would like to create a bond with your child (one of trust). If your child requires additional visits shortly after their initial exam, it’s a good idea for the same parent to come with them. It creates a continuity for child.

We want a lifetime of good experiences at the dentist. A person isn’t born with a fear of the dentist. Today’s dental procedures are virtually painless and there are so many options for care such as:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• IV sedation 
• General Anesthesia
  

Your dentist will go over your child’s treatment plan with you and come up with the best for your child’s needs. The first experience at the dentist should be a positive one. This will lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth. ​