Before your visit:
It is sometimes helpful to prepare your child for their first visit by reading
stories or "playing dentist"! These activities should be fun, relaxing, and ultimately reflect a positive
feeling regarding the experience. Parents' bad memories of their own dental visits should not be expressed, as maternal
and paternal anxieties are readily manifested in the child and will only act to sensitize him/her to their new experience.
Older siblings should be discouraged from taunting or scaring the young child with stories of their own.
During your visit:
Children under three years of age usually feel most comfortable with mom
or dad along for the oral evaluation. Infants are usually examined in a "lap" style, in which mom or dad holds the
child and the dentist examines the teeth. Children over three years of age generally have the confidence to attend the oral
exam on their own, and we encourage parents to allow their child to be independent. If at any time you with to accompany your
child during his/her visit, please notify one of our technical staff so we may accommodate you.
After your visit:
After comprehensively examining your child, the dentist will review his findings
with you and make recommendations regarding further visits. For any necessary procedures to be performed, a thorough
explanation, cost estimate, and timeline will be discussed. Predetermination of third party (dental insurance) coverage
is highly recommended in the event procedures are to be performed. Our experienced administrative staff will aid you
in the predetermination process. Please remember that insurance often underwrites only a portion of dental services,
and the patient (parent) is ultimately responsible for the fees of service.
