The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit be scheduled by his or her first birthday, and we agree. In order to make this first visit as positive and enjoyable as possible, Drs. Coppe and Sears are committed to working with parents to provide the kind of pleasant and comfortable environment that allows us to build trust and put your child at ease during future dental visits!
Getting to know us
We want your child to enjoy getting to know our doctors and staff, and to feel comfortable with us at all times. Encourage your child to discuss any fears or anxiety he or she may be feeling, and reassure your child that our dentists and staff will explain everything in detail and answer any questions he or she may have. We are experienced in dealing with anxious children, and we can explain treatment procedures in a positive and pleasant manner to avoid any uneasy or negative feelings towards dentistry.
Additionally, it may be helpful to show your child the videos we have on our website. You and your child will see us demonstrate our use of kid-friendly verbiage and techniques as a young patient has their first dental hygiene visit. These videos can help your child become familiar with our office, staff, and techniques before coming in for his or her own appointment.
What to expect at your child’s first dental visit
Your child’s first dental visit with the Coppe + Sears team is usually short and will involve little treatment, if any. We view this as a non-threatening way for children to meet our dentists in a friendly setting which will prepare them for regular visits in the years to come!
You will be asked to complete medical and health information forms concerning your child during the first visit, so come prepared with the necessary information. We will record your child’s dental and medical history, complete a comprehensive examination, and then discuss any findings with you. Some of the topics we may discuss with you and your child are:
- good oral hygiene practices for healthy teeth and cavity prevention
- fluoride needs
- oral habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and lip sucking
- developmental milestones and issues
- teething
- proper nutrition
- the scheduling of dental checkups
During the exam, one of our dentists will check all of your child’s existing teeth for decay, examine his or her bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. If indicated, we will clean the teeth and assess the need for fluoride. Educating parents about oral health care basics for children, discussing dental developmental issues, and answering any questions are important parts of this initial visit. We will also review the importance of maintaining a good dental health program to ensure a healthy and beautiful smile for life!