Your child’s initial visit should be a fun learning experience for the patient and parent as well. The first visit will last approximately one hour. We will first give you and your child oral hygiene instructions. We introduce him or her to our dental equipment, trying to ease any doubts or fears. We call this tell-show-do. We will clean their teeth and apply fluoride. X-rays will be taken if needed. All this will be done in a friendly and fun way. Dr. Stamper will evaluate your child and discuss with you any dental problems and propose treatment as needed.

Your Child’s Dental Home

Our office, as well as the The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.

The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the Emergency Room for parents.

You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. If old enough, 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.

It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle”, “shot”, “pull”, “drill” or “hurt”. The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

If your child is over the age of 3, we ask that you allow them to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We are all highly experienced in helping children overcome anxiety. Separation anxiety is not uncommon in children, so please try not to be concerned if your child exhibits some negative behavior. This is normal and will soon diminish. Studies and experience have shown that most children over the age of 3 react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on their own and in an environment designed for children.

We strive to make each and every visit to our office a fun one!