When Should My Child Have Their First Visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday — or within 6 months after the first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Starting early builds positive associations, allows Dr. Z to monitor development, and helps us catch any concerns before they become problems.
What Happens at the First Appointment?
- Warm Welcome — Our friendly team greets you and your child, answers questions, and helps everyone feel at home. We aim to be a place kids actually look forward to visiting.
- Health History Review — We'll review the health history form you complete before your visit. This helps us understand any medical conditions, medications, or special needs.
- Oral Examination — Dr. Z performs a gentle, thorough examination of your child's teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development. For infants, we perform a "knee-to-knee" exam with you involved throughout.
- Professional Cleaning — A thorough cleaning, scaling, and polishing to remove any plaque or tartar. For very young children, this may be a simpler cleaning as appropriate for their age.
- X-rays (if needed) — Low-radiation X-rays may be taken based on your child's age and dental development. Not every child needs X-rays at their first visit.
- Guidance for Parents — Dr. Z discusses oral hygiene techniques, diet tips, fluoride, teething, pacifier use, and answers any questions you have.
- Next Appointment Booked — Before you leave, we schedule your child's next visit — so you never have to remember to call!
What to Bring
- Completed new patient forms (available to download and fill out before your appointment)
- Insurance card(s)
- A list of current medications
- Any records from previous dental providers, if applicable
- Your child's favorite stuffed animal or comfort item — totally welcome!
Tips for a Successful First Visit
- Schedule the appointment at a time when your child is usually well-rested and happy (morning often works best).
- Talk positively about the dentist before the visit — avoid words like "hurt," "shot," or "drill."
- Read books about visiting the dentist or watch child-friendly videos about dental visits.
- Let your child bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal for comfort.
- Stay calm yourself — children pick up on parental anxiety. Our team will do the rest!
Pre-estimation of cost: Before your appointment, we can provide a pre-estimation of what your insurance is expected to cover so there are no financial surprises. Just ask when you call to schedule.