 The first visit to any dentist office should be a positive and even a fun experience especially for children on their first visit! That is a good reason, in itself, for choosing a Pediatric Dentist.
At Children's Dental Health Associates, P.C., pediatric dentistry is exciting, upbeat, and lively. Our offices are bright, happy places that have been carefully designed for both the physical and psychological needs of children. When you visit our office (the welcome mat is always out), you'll find an environment that brings about ear-to-ear smiles and radiates a friendly tone.
It is our primary responsibility to show children, first of all, that going to a pediatric dentist is not a frightening experience. Our pediatric dentists and staff are trained to deal with infants, children, and teens, and it shows! We are also current in the latest findings and most up-to-date procedures in pediatric dentistry.
Our first priority, therefore, is to establish communication and trust with your child. We ask your help with setting the stage for this communication. Our pediatric dentists and other dental team members will tell them what will happen during the appointment and how the treatment will be done. (See Dental Procedures)
Our dental team will use positive language when something may be uncomfortable or "pinch" and when it will not. We use positive words, such as: pinch, wiggle, whistle, and raincoat, to describe the dental environment. We will use a technique known as TELL, SHOW, DO and positive reinforcement to educate your child while completing the necessary treatment. We will TELL your child what we are going to do, SHOW them what we are going to do and then DO the procedure. We may also use voice modulation, distraction and nonverbal communication to establish communication with your child.
At Children's Dental Health Associates, P.C., we are skilled in all aspects of dental care for children. Additionally, our training in child psychology and management helps put your child at ease.
When to schedule that first visit?
 Ideally, we encourage you to schedule your child's first cleaning visit soon after his or her first birthday. Of course, we will see a child at any age should you notice a problem or have a question. This will not only identify problems early on but also ensures the first visit will be a positive one.
The initial examination will include a detailed inspection of the mouth and jaws and a discussion of diet and fluoride. We will show you the best at-home techniques for good dental practices. We will take a general medical history and discuss your child's eating habits. With this input, we can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of good dental health.
 What to bring?
Depending on your child's age, he or she could bring a favorite small toy, stuffed animal, or even a well worn “Linus Blanket”. We will try to accommodate whatever may make your child comfortable especially on his or her first visit.
As a parent, you could save time on your child's first visit by completing a patient information form, and/or a medical history form, which are located on this site at (Dental Forms).
|
|
