First Visit

A child’s first dental visit is an exciting time for children and parents — also for our team! There’s the first glimpse of their new dental home, the gentle introduction to our Taylorsville, UT team,  and the first steps in developing a lifetime of healthy smiles. This is where your child’s smile begins, and it’s where you, as the parent, find support, resources, and education to guide you in leading your child’s oral health journey. 

When To Schedule Your Child’s First Visit

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both recommend that a child visit the dentist by their first birthday. By this time:

• They will likely have some of their first teeth.
• You will likely have questions about how to best care for them.
• And we will have an opportunity to begin developing a relationship with you and your child. 

What To Expect During Your Child’s First Visit

As part of your child’s first introduction to our office, our focus is on building trust and developing a rapport with both you and your child. We want your child to feel comfortable and safe in our office, and we want you to feel confident that you’ve found the right dental home for your family.

During your child’s first visit, we’ll:

• Greet you and your child warmly, making sure to answer any questions you may have.
• Perform a thorough examination of your child’s teeth and gums.
• Begin to establish a timeline for future dental visits and cleanings.
• Give you tips on at-home oral care for your child.
• And, if necessary, we’ll provide treatments to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and strong!

We understand that every family is different, and we will work with you to create a dental plan that meets the unique needs of your child. Overall, our goal is to make sure your child’s first visit — and every visit after that — is a positive, enjoyable experience.

How To Prepare For The First Visit

It’s normal to feel a little anxious about taking your child to the dentist for the first time. After all, it’s a new experience for both of you! To help your child (and yourself) feel more comfortable, we recommend taking the following steps:

• Talk to your child about the visit:
  • Let them know that the dentist is a friend who is going to help take care of their teeth.
  • Help them understand what will happen during the visit, including a gentle examination and cleaning.

• Choose the right time:
  • Schedule the appointment at a time when your child is well rested and not hungry.
  • If possible, avoid scheduling the appointment during a time of day when your child is usually cranky or tired.
    
    
• Create a positive association:
  • • Read books or watch shows together that feature characters going to the dentist.
    • Use positive, reassuring words to describe the experience.
      
      
• Lead by example:
  • If you have a positive attitude towards dental visits, your child is more likely to feel the same way.
  • Let your child see you taking care of your own teeth by brushing and flossing daily.