Your child’s first visit to the dentist is an important one, as it sets the tone for all future visits and it helps establish a dental home. Here are a few tips for the first visit:
- Speak positively about the dentist! Some of us have had “not so positive” experiences at the dentist in the past. It is important to allow your child to create their own experience, and you are the first step in that process.
- Remind your child that going to the dentist is an important part of growing up, and that they should be excited to experience this new “big kid” adventure.
- Ask your child to bring their favorite doll or stuffed animal to get a teeth cleaning as well. We can use their toy as a way to introduce to a lot of the tools we use.
- Let your child know they are going to learn about all sorts of exciting new things like the “magic chair,” “the tickle brush,” “Mr. Slurpy,” and more!
- We encourage you to take a picture of your child at their first visit. You can even share it on our Facebook page for other patients to see!
- You are welcome and encouraged to join your child in our cleaning area. However, we only have enough room for one parent per child.
- Siblings over the age of 1 who are not also scheduled for their first visit are not allowed in our dental cleaning area. They can play in our kids play area during your child’s appointment. This helps our patients focus on their appointment without a lot of distraction.
- Please make sure you complete the new patient health history form before you arrive for your appointment. This will ensure a timely start for your appointment, and will allow you to focus on your child during the visit.
- If your child has been to another dentist previously, we really appreciate records and/or x-rays being emailed to our office (info@westmetrokidsdental.com) before the appointment. This helps us determine more specifically what your child will need.
- If you have dental insurance, we will pull your dental benefits before your appointment. We do our best to have an idea of what will/will not be covered by your insurance. However, please remember, your insurance coverage is an agreement between yourself and your insurance company; we simply facilitate the process by submitting to your insurance on your behalf. Any specific questions regarding coverage should be directed to your insurance company.