Your Child's First Visit

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Your child’s first visit to the Dentist...

Here are answers to some common questions that parents ask about bringing their youngster to the dentist?

>WHAT AGE SHOULD I BRING MY CHILD TO THE DENTIST?"

Answer: We find that the best age for your child’s first visit varies from 3 years to 4 years old. We recommend that the child’s first visit be an informal "get acquainted" visit. Bring your child with you for your next check-up and let them watch what it’s like for you. Or you could bring your child in for their very own visit.

>"WHAT IS A ‘GET ACQUAINTED’ VISIT? IS THERE A CHARGE?"

Answer: There is no charge for this get acquainted visit since no formal examination or treatment is done. Our experienced Registered Dental Assistants (most of whom are young mothers themselves) will first let you and your child watch an entertaining video about Dudley the Dragon’s first visit to the dentist. We will give your child a special coloring book made to accompany the video. You and your child can review the video later as your child colors and perhaps asks questions. We will give you and your a child a tour of the office and depending on how your child is responding, maybe a ride in our dental chair along with a little demonstration of some of that funny equipment that can look kind of scary.

>"WHAT IF MY CHILD IS VERY FRIGHTENED?"

Answer: Explain to your child that the dentist has a free video to watch and coloring book that they can have but that your child has to go to the office in order to get it. Perhaps all your child will want to do is view the video and then escape with the coloring book! That’s ok, your child came in and saw the office and got his/her feet wet. Your child can always return for a second get acquainted visit to feel more comfortable.

>"DOES DR. WILSON LET THE PARENT COME INTO THE TREATMENT ROOM WITH THEIR CHILD?"

Answer: Yes, I always invite the parent to come in with their child. Many dentists were trained to always separate the parent and child because of some fancy theory about conflicting authority figures and so forth. Fortunately, I had only been practicing a couple of years when my dental assistant challenged me about that. I had small children of my own at the time and realized that the reason children don’t like to be separated from their parent is because of a very basic need they have for safety. All adults are (to a child) supremely powerful and can do anything to them (especially ones in white coats!). Their parent (the child instinctively knows) will protect them. So I encourage the parent to come in to act as a security for the child.