You and your child will be greeted by our friendly staff and accompanied to their treatment location. For children under the age of three, we have a specially equipped infant room filled with toys and sensory tools to provide an age-appropriate setting for their comfort.
For children over the age of three, our office has an open bay treatment area where children can be surrounded by others their own age, reinforcing the modeling concept of behavior. This allows some children to feel more relaxed seeing that other children are having a good experience around them. If you prefer a closed room, our office is equipped with a closed treatment area for your privacy. Please let us know your preference at scheduling so we can best accommodate your needs.
Patient and parent education on oral hygiene, habit cessation, and nutrition are the most important parts of this first visit and will comprise the majority of your time here. Some children are willing and able to complete a dental exam and cleaning at this first visit. Some children are more hesitant, and that is okay. We do not force treatment; we work to gain trust. Each child has different needs, and we always take this into consideration.
Our office uses low-dose radiography and we recommend X-rays for children between four and six years old (about 6-12 months after your child’s posterior tooth contacts have closed). The purpose of radiography is to detect cavities and pathology in the areas we are unable to see clinically. Detecting cavities when they are small allows for less invasive treatment options for your child. Based on your child’s cavity risk assessment, appropriate X-ray intervals will be determined for subsequent visits. Our office does radiograph lightly, and we are certified as an “ultra low-dose radiography” provider.
You are always welcome to accompany your child for treatment in our office. Our goal is to provide safe, effective, and gentle treatment and give your child a positive experience they can take with them into adulthood.
