FIRST VISIT

Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends that your child visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.

Pediatric dental offices are trained and have extensive experience treating children who have significant medical and/or behavioral health care requirements. The approach will vary from child to child and will be discussed with you at the initial visit. Please inform us if your child has special health and dental care needs prior to their first visit.

BEFORE THE FIRST VISIT

Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child. Convey good feelings to your child about dental visits being a part of growing up. You can explain that Dr. Brooks and Dr. Chandak will look at and count all their teeth. Please do not tell your child that the dentist will not hurt, as the idea of being hurt may have never entered your child's mind. You can explain that Dr. Brooks and Dr. Chandak will be nice and gentle as they count your teeth. Also, please do not use the words needle, shot, drill, pull, or any words suggesting unpleasantness. Our goal is to perform dental treatment in the easiest way possible for your child.

THE FIRST VISIT

Our office staff will review the health history form with you at the first visit. At that time, you and your child will be introduced to our dental team. Parents are welcome to accompany their child into the treatment area during the initial examination. This gives you the opportunity to see our staff in action and allows the dentists, Dr. Brooks and Dr. Chandak, to discuss dental findings and treatment needs directly with you.

We do ask that if you accompany your child you assume the role of a silent observer. Your presence is greatly enhanced if you play a passive role. If more than one person is speaking to the child they may become confused. Cooperation and trust must be established directly between Dr. Brooks and Dr. Chandak and your child and not through you. We also ask that siblings remain in the reception room.

We will perform a head and neck examination and evaluate the teeth and gums. Radiographs (x-rays) are taken only as we feel they are indicated. If no treatment is needed, the teeth will be cleaned and fluoride applied. Additional services will be scheduled for a later visit. If you have been referred for treatment, our office will do an initial exam prior to treatment in order to thoroughly discuss treatment options and obtain any additional information to better treat your child. We do ask that the first visit be paid for on the day of that visit.