Q: How should I prepare my child for their dental visit?
A: If it is your child’s first dental visit to a Kids Dentist or just the first time to a new dental office, we want your child to feel comfortable and have a great time during their visit! Before your Pediatric Dental visit, it is best to inform your child where they are going and always be positive. It is also important to refrain from the use of negative words that will cause unnecessary fear. Please do not tell your child that the “dentist will not hurt” as this may never have entered his or her mind. Also, please avoid using such words as “needle,” “shot,” “pull,” or any other word suggesting an unpleasant experience. Our doctors and team will tell your child exactly what is going to happen in a pleasant, non-threatening manner. Expect your child to do well and enjoy their visit to our office and, chances are, they will do exactly that!
Q: At what age do children typically go back alone for their dental visit?
A: Parents of children ages four and under accompany their child into the treatment area.
Parents of children five and older are encouraged to accompany their child to the treatment area for their initial visit. This gives you the opportunity to see our dental team in action. We do ask that if you decide to accompany your child back at the first dental visit that you assume the role of a silent observer. Your presence is greatly enhanced if you play a passive role. If more than one person is speaking to the child at once, they may become confused. This is so that cooperation and trust become established between your child and our team. After the first visit, your child will be encouraged to come back alone. This builds autonomy and trust between your child and the dental team. This will also help us establish a closer rapport with your child while building his or her confidence.