HOW ARE APPOINTMENTS SCHEDULED?
We schedule appointments based on many factors. Preschool children should be seen in the morning because they are fresher and we can work more slowly with them for their comfort. School children with a lot of work to be done should be seen in the morning for the same reason. Dental appointments are an excused absence. Missing school can be kept to a minimum when regular dental care is continued.
We strive to see all patients on time for their scheduled appointments. There are times when our schedule is delayed to accommodate an injured child or an emergency. Please accept our apology in advance should this occur during your appointment. We will do the exact same if your child is in need of emergency care.
Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This will allow time to complete any additional paperwork and see your child on time.
If you arrive 15 minutes late for your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule for the next available appointment time.
Broken or missed appointments affect many people. Since appointed times are reserved exclusively for each patient we ask that you please notify our office 24-48 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time if you are unable to keep your appointment. We realize that unexpected things can happen, but we ask for your assistance in this regard.
BEFORE THE FIRST VISIT
Please discuss the positive aspect of dentistry with your child. The purpose of the first visit is to establish a positive relationship with our team and your child. One way to convey good feelings to your child about dental visits is to remind him that going to the dentist is a sign that they are growing up. You can explain that the dentist will count and may take pictures of his teeth.
Please do not tell your child that the “dentist will not hurt” as this may never have entered his mind. Instead, you may wish to assure your child that the dentist and his staff will be gentle, fun, and friendly. Explain that the visit will be an exciting experience for yourself and your child. Also, please avoid using words such as needle, shot, pull, drill or any other words suggesting unpleasantness. The dentist and his team have a special way of explaining what will be done in terms best suited for your child.
THE FIRST VISIT
We follow the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that your child’s first dental visit should be by one year of age. This allows the dentist to monitor your child’s dental health, growth and development closely and discuss important issues such as diet, thumb/pacifier habits and give instructions for caring for the teeth and gums.
After a thorough review of your child’s health history, your child will be introduced to the team and invited to tour the office. You are welcome to accompany your child into the treatment area during the initial exam. This will give you the opportunity to see our talented team in action and allow the dentist to discuss dental findings and treatment directly with you.
The dentist will perform a head and neck examination and then evaluate the health of the teeth, gums, and your child’s bite. Dental radiographs (x-rays) are taken only as the dentist feels they are necessary. Additional services will be scheduled for a later visit.
DO I STAY WITH MY CHILD DURING THE VISIT?
Since the majority of the our staff are parents also, we know it is important for the child to feel comfortable but it is just as important for the parents to feel comfortable with the treatment that we are providing to their most prized possessions…their babies! That is why we not only allow the parents in the clinical area, we encourage it! Parents are invited back during all appointments with their child. We ask that only one adult parent stay in the rooms with their child during their visits. One parent only will minimize crowding, confusion and the child’s loss of focus on the dental team member working with them. As your child matures, we hope they will feel comfortable coming back by themselves one day. Our purpose is for your child to gain a sense of confidence and autonomy in their dental experience. If you expect your child to do well and enjoy his visit to our office, chances are he will do just that!