NEW PATIENTS

Let the first tooth remind you that it’s time to see your pediatric dentist.
You can help to make their first trip to the dentist enjoyable and positive in what we do.

AAPD and aap

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends regular dental visits for children at 1 year of age!

First trip

If this is their first trip to the dentist, a parent will play a large role in preparing their child for their visit. Children are keen and can see if you are nervous or display any anxiety.

postive experience

Your child’s dental visit should be an important and fun adventure that if you are relaxed and positive about this experience, it will help them be positive, too.

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The first visit will start with a review of your child’s medical and dental history and an initial examination, which includes “counting his/her teeth.” After a comprehensive examination of your child, any dental findings will be directly discussed with you. Dental X-rays (pictures) are taken, if necessary, to ensure a thorough examination followed by oral hygiene instructions to emphasize proper oral health care. All aspects of a preventive dental health program including diet, hygiene and fluoride will also be discussed.
If your child is 3 or older, a cleaning and polishing of their teeth will usually follow along with fluoride application. For optimal communication, we will explain each of our procedures in terms your child can understand. We want to make your child’s first appointment a positive experience in order to set the tone for future appointments. If any dental findings indicate preventative or restorative treatment, than subsequent appointments may be scheduled.
It is always better to make a first dental appointment before your child has a dental problem. By starting an early prevention program, future dental problem can be avoided. Often times, if tooth decay is detected early enough, there are therapies available that can be used to reverse or minimize their growth. Furthermore, by introducing your child when little dental treatment is needed, he/she comes away a better patient with a more positive attitude about dentistry.

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Schedule an Appointment

Our patients are seen by appointment only and are scheduled to respect your time. We reserve a specific time for child’s care, and we make every effort to see you at the appointed time. These dental appointments may vary according to a child’s needs and level of cooperation. By staying on schedule, we can give every child the attention and care they deserve in as pleasant an atmosphere as possible.

Inadvertent delays to the schedule can occur and your patience is very much appreciated. Each child is an individual, and some may require more “tender loving care” than others. We ask for your understanding in that your child may be the next one needing our extra attention. If your child has a dental emergency or a severe toothache, every attempt will be made to see that child that day.

Because our practice is limited to children, it is not possible to give everyone appointments in the later afternoon. We like to reserve these times for older children. Children under 5 usually are in a better frame of mind and have a positive experience in the morning. The best time for these appointments is not after school when your child is tired of sitting and either needs rest or physical activity. We also prefer to see children requiring longer appointments in the morning when they are rested and alert. These recommendations go a long way in having a comfortable experience at the dental office.

We will be happy to provide your child with a signed verification for the appointment, which meets California law for a legal school excuse.

As a courtesy, our treatment coordinators will attempt to confirm your child’s appointment 24 hours in advance. However, we do ask that patients/parents assume responsibility for their appointment time. If you do need to change an appointment, we ask that you provide our office with a 24-hour notice. This courtesy on your part will allow us to make this time available to patients who could benefit by having treatment done sooner.