A child's first visit to the dentist sets the relationship they will have with oral health for the rest of their life. That's why we give it the time it deserves, with no instruments, no rush, and no scares.
When to come for the first time
We recommend the first visit at age 3, once all the baby teeth are in. It’s a getting-to-know-you visit: we want the little one to see the clinic, meet the team and get used to the smells and sounds before they ever need a real treatment.
What we do (and don’t)
We don’t force their mouth open. We don’t use needles on the first visit. We do let them sit in the chair, hold the mirror and watch the light go up and down. We take photos of their teeth with the intraoral camera and show them on the big screen. They’re usually fascinated.
The role of parents
You’re welcome to come in whenever your child needs you. In the first visits it’s key. As they grow more confident, we encourage them to come in alone: it’s important they feel that the visit is theirs. One important note: never use the dentist as a threat at home. “If you don’t brush your teeth I’ll take you to the dentist” is one of the hardest things to undo.
If your child is scared
We work at their pace. If they don’t want to sit in the chair on the first visit, that’s fine. We do a second. And a third if needed. What we’ll never do is force a situation that ties the dentist to a bad memory. Patience now saves a lot of future visits (and money).