First Visit

Is it time?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit to the dentist be 6 months after the first tooth erupts. This is typically at about a year of age. This visit will include going over dental and medical history, including family history. Dr. Dunne will complete a thorough oral exam to assess growth and development, oral hygiene, injuries, cavities and/or other problems. We will review fluoride exposure, bottle & breast feeding and talk about diet. We can assess your child's risk of developing tooth decay and provide information regarding oral development, teething, pacifier or finger/thumb sucking habits & injury prevention. By starting visits at an early age, you will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.

What should I expect?
When you arrive for your child's first visit, please be prepared with your insurance cards if applicable and health information regarding your child. We will ask you to fill out several forms on our touch screen computer that will allow us to begin your child's dental treatment.

Your initial visit will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Oral hygiene instructions will be provided along with suggestions to help you care for your child's teeth. If your child is over the age of 2 1/2, we will also most likely clean your child's teeth on this visit. Our number one goal is to make every trip to the dentist positive. If we are not able to complete everything on the first visit, we'll try again in 6 months. We have found that if a younger child comes with an older sibling or family member they tend to do better with the new experience.

It is important to remember that we will never push your child to do anything they don't want to do. If the appointment isn't working, we stop & just try another day.