Your Child's First Visit
We make first visits something kids actually look forward to.
The Age One Dental Visit: Why It Matters
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the team at Kids Dentist recommend scheduling your child's first dental visit by the time their first tooth erupts, or before they reach the age of one , whichever comes first. This is not about treatment, it is about building a relationship, checking that development is on track, and giving you the guidance to protect your child's smile from day one. The earlier we start, the healthier the long-term outcome.
Hear From Dr. Sonia
Watch her explain why the age-one visit matters, on YouTube →
How to Prepare Your Child
- Talk about visiting a children's dentist using positive words and tones. Your child will pick up on any anxiety or negative language, avoid words like "hurt, " "drill, " or "shot."
- Read kid-friendly books about visiting the dentist together to help minimize anxiety before the day arrives.
- Show them pictures of our friendly, child-scaled office atmosphere so the space feels familiar when they walk in.
- Clearly explain what will happen during the first visit so there are no surprises on the day.
- Role-play 'dentist' at home! Swap roles with your child and practice counting teeth together, it makes the real appointment feel familiar before it happens.
Take a Tour Before You Arrive
In the meantime, explore our photo office tour →
Four Steps to a Happy First Visit
A Warm Welcome
From the moment you walk in, our front office team will greet you by name, process your forms, and give your child space to explore our kid-scaled spaces.
A Gentle Exam
We count your child's teeth and perform a gentle, non-threatening visual exam to ensure development is on track. Our doctors use soft, kid-friendly words and go slow to show them that visiting the dentist isn't scary.
Cleaning & Fluoride
Around age two, we introduce a professional cleaning (prophylaxis) followed by flossing and polishing, and apply a safe, concentrated topical fluoride varnish at the end of the appointment for an extra boost of cavity protection.
Prize Box
Every patient picks a sticker and a token for a prize out of the toy tower before they leave, the best way to end any dental appointment!
What to Bring to Your First Visit
- Dental insurance card and policy details
- Your child's medical history, medications, allergies, and prior hospitalizations
- A comfort object, a stuffed animal, blanket, or pacifier are always welcome
- Any prior dental records, if this is not your child's very first dental visit
- A parent or legal guardian must be present for all first-time visits
“If your child leaves our office smiling and asking when they come back, we have done our job exactly right.”
- The Kids Dentist Team
Ready to schedule the visit that starts it all?