First Visit Experience

Children Under Age 3

The purpose of this visit is to begin our collaboration with parents to prevent the bacterial infection that causes cavities. This disease is called dental caries, and there is no antibiotic to treat it. Because decayed baby teeth need fillings, we are motivated to help keep our very young patients cavity-free.

We follow the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which promotes establishing a dental home by the child’s first birthday. The bacteria in a child’s mouth is getting established around this time, and so this is when we can easily influence what types of bacteria thrive in the mouth. We want all the good bacteria to succeed over the bad bacteria at this early stage.

Why does the health history form include diet and water questions?

Prior to your appointment you will fill out the health history form. For this age group, it includes a Caries Risk Assessment. Your answers to these detailed questions allow us to learn about your child’s routines. With that information, we may providerecommendations to lower the risk of developing early cavities.

What Will Our Office Be Like?

Our office looks and feels like a warm home. We have a fun waiting room with iPads, Playstations, trucks, stuffed animals, books, and toys. However, do not expect a long stay in the waiting room because we respect your time, and we will be ready for you.

How will we do the exam?

One of our dental assistants will greet you and begin your appointment, which will last about thirty minutes. She will invite you into a private room with a large window overlooking a beautiful garden featuring our artfully created birdhouses.

Your child will be on your lap. Dr. Kevin will begin by allowing your child to see and feel the gloves, the mirror, and the light. You and the dentist will sit facing each other in the “knee-to-knee” position.

We will then gently have the child lie back, supported by the parent’s and the doctor’s legs. It is the best way to be able to see in the mouth safely and effectively. The exam is brief, but thorough. Dr. Kevin will evaluate the health and development of the teeth, gums, and jaw. Although we make every effort to have a positive experience, your child may respond with crying. We understand that thisis natural, and hope that you will not feel worried about your child’s ability to do this.

What happens after the exam is completed?

We will then move to another private room, where your child can play with our toys along with the dental assistant. She will keep your child entertained on the floor right next to you so that you can talk with the dentist.

The dentist will report on your child’s growth and oral health. The primary focus will be explaining why cavities happen.

The dental assistant will then review the
Risk Assessment with you, and make
recommendations so that your child’s
risk for getting early cavities will be low.

Your child will leave with a special “prize” and a good start to a lifetime of dental health!

First Visit Experience

Children Under Age 3

Children 3 Years & Older

Children Under Age 3

Why does the health history form include diet and water questions?

What Will Our Office Be Like?

How will we do the exam?

What happens after the exam is completed?

What Sets Us Apart?