Appointment Information
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your reserved appointment time to fill out paperwork, update insurance as needed, and answer any questions about your child’s visit. This is important so that we have adequate time to care for your child. If you are more than 10 minutes late to your appointment, we may need to reschedule you to avoid impacting the care of the child scheduled after you.
We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please contact us via phone or email at least 48 hours in advance so that we can offer that appointment time to another patient that may need timely care. Before and after school appointment times as well as Saturday appointments are very popular. Please be respectful of the doctor, staff and other patients and let us know if you need to reschedule.
Your First Visit
If your child is under 3 years old
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that a child see the dentist when they get their first tooth or by their first birthday. This is important to help your child get comfortable with coming to the dentist at an early age for easy and routine visits. The dentist will also discuss brushing, nursing, diet, bottle use, pacifier use, thumb sucking and answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health. By discussing and reinforcing good dental habits early on we can increase their chance of being cavity free.
These appointments typically last approximately 10 minutes and the child sits in a parent's lap. The dentist will perform an oral exam, brush teeth with a toothbrush and apply fluoride. Dental cleanings become more extensive once patients are able to lay in the dental chair and are accepting of the motor toothbrush, air, water and suction.
Preparing for the first visit
Children are extremely receptive and if you are anxious about their dental visit, it is likely that they will be too. Please be positive and avoid using words such as: drill, shot, needle, pull, hurt or other scary words. We use special kid friendly vocabulary in our office and we look forward to sharing that with you and your child.
Parents In the Room
Parents are welcome to accompany their child for new patient exams and cleanings. This is a good opportunity for you and the dentist to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s dental health. We will go over x-rays, treatments plans and discuss what to expect at the next visit.
Children often do better for treatment visits without their parents in the room. They will sometimes look to their parents to “save” them from the dentist. It is important for your child to know that you and the dentist are on the same team and that you trust the dentist. Please reinforce that the dentist is there to help them. If we feel that you are needed during treatment, we will surely invite you back. It is important that when in the room, parents remain calm, quiet and allow the dentist to communicate with your child.