What to expect at your first visit
First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist at the age of 12 months, or when the first tooth appears. This allows Dr. Jamieson to evaluate your child and introduce you to proper oral hygiene habits and diet recommendations.
BEFORE THE FIRST VISIT
Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child. Try to act relaxed and at ease. You can explain that Dr. Jamieson will count and take pictures of your child’s teeth.
Please do not tell your child that the dentist will hurt because this may have never entered his or her mind. Instead, reassure your child that Dr. Jamieson will be friendly and gentle. Also, avoid using words such as needle, shot, pull, or other words that could create anxiety. We will explain our procedures in ways that your child can understand and will work to decrease any fear or anxiety they may have. When they are in the treatment areas, we show them what we will be doing and use wording that is age-appropriate. For example, we call the suction device “Mr. Thirsty” and cavities “sugar bugs.”
A common problem that children face is being fearful about coming to the dentist because they are unsure about what will happen. It is normal to be scared of the unknown, and we work with kids every day to help them feel more comfortable so that they can establish a positive relationship with a dentist. This will lead to better oral care as they get older.
THE FIRST VISIT
Our staff will review your child’s health history form with you at the first visit. Your child will be introduced to our dental team and will be invited to tour the office. We do allow parents to accompany children to the working area, but ask that you return to the waiting room after their child is seated. For small children, children with special needs, and some children we feel would benefit from a parental presence, we may ask a parent to assist. After our examination, parents are asked to join their child for a consultation. This will allow Dr. Jamieson the opportunity to discuss any dental findings and treatment options directly with you. Dr. Jamieson will perform a head and neck examination and then evaluate the health of your child’s teeth and gums. Your child will allo receive a dental cleaning and fluoride. Dental radiographs (x-rays) are taken only if Dr. Jamieson feels they will help with diagnosis. If your child needs additional services, they will be scheduled for a later visit.
During the first visit, we will spend time educating your child on proper brushing techniques. It is critical to oral health that you, as the parent, follow up on these techniques at home.
Although your child may cry, this is normal behavior when children are put into unknown situations. Please do not be alarmed. We are all trained to help fearful or anxious children through their dental experience. As your child matures, we hope to encourage his or her independence and promote self-esteem. We will treat your child as our own and perform the dental treatment in the easiest and safest way possible.
NEW PATIENT FORMS
The forms below are provided for you to download in preparation of your child’s first visit to our office. Please print out a copy, read carefully, and fill out each of the following. Please bring the completed forms with you to your child’s first visit. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.