Baby's first visit
What to expect at baby's first visit.
By the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth. Short, gentle and mostly about getting to know each other — here is exactly how it goes, step by step.
What happens
- 1
Tell us about your child
Book online or by phone. There's a box for anything we should plan for: worries, sensory needs, a past hard visit.
- 2
Get ready at home
Read a dentist book together, play 'count the teeth' with a stuffed animal, and keep your words simple and positive.
- 3
A gentle first visit
A tour, a ride in the chair, a look at teeth and gums, and a cleaning if your child is ready. You stay the whole time.
- 4
A plan you understand
What we saw, what to do at home, and when to come back. Plus a sticker, obviously.
Getting your child ready
Small things that make a big difference
- 1Use simple, positive words: "The dentist will count your teeth." Skip "hurt", "shot" and "drill".
- 2Read a picture book about going to the dentist in the week before.
- 3Bring a comfort item: a stuffy, a blanket, headphones or sunglasses.
- 4Book a time when your child is usually rested and fed. Mornings work well for little ones.
- 5Tell us what works for your child. You're the expert on them.
What to bring
- Your insurance card (if you have one)
- A list of your child's medications and allergies
- Any recent X-rays from a previous dentist
- A comfort item
Good to know
- You stay with your child the whole time
- A cleaning only if your child is ready
- Mornings work well for little ones, when they are rested and fed
- We accept PPO plans — Delta Dental, Guardian and MetLife — and verify benefits before the visit