Livingston Pediatric Dental Associates
First Visit
Preparing Your Child
The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Dental Association and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.
Tell your child that the dentist is a friendly doctor who will help your child stay healthy. Talk about the visit in a POSITIVE way as you would want with any new experience. We strive to make every visit a fun and exciting.
Patient Forms
Prior to your child’s appointment, we ask that you visit our online patient portal to complete all required forms.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
On the first visit, your child will be introduced to our dental team. Your child will be shown the instruments used on the first visit, i.e., the tooth counter, the tooth mirror, Mr. Thirsty, etc. You and your child will also learn the importance of preventive home care skills to help your child’s teeth stay healthy.
The Doctor will then gently examine your child’s teeth, gums and the remainder of the mouth. X-rays will only be taken only if necessary. This will help us to detect tooth decay as well as development of the permanent teeth. Orthodontic evaluations are completed at the same time. Depending on the age of your child, a thorough cleaning of the teeth and a fluoride treatment may be completed.
Pleasant visits help a child establish trust and confidence that will last a lifetime. Additional treatment, if required, will be discussed and scheduled for a future date.
It is our goal to develop a positive rapport with your child. Parents are welcome to come into the treatment rooms and stay with their child during the appointment.
We strive to make each and every visit to our office a fun one!
First Visit Pointers
Do
Try to make early appointments that don’t conflict with nap or mealtime…young children do best when they are rested.
The best time for a young child’s dental visit is in the morning. Early dental experiences will set the tone for how your child will forever view their trips to the dentist. Make these visits a priority. Missing a small amount of preschool can lead to a lifetime of anxiety free dental visits for your child.
Set a good example by letting your child see you brush and floss regularly.
Do Not
Do not let the child know that you have any anxiety about going to the dentist.
Do not threaten a dental visit as a means of punishment. Do not let anyone tell your child scary stories about a dental visit.
Do not come for a visit when your child is not feeling well.
