According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s first visit to the dentist should occur around the time of first tooth eruption or his or her first birthday, whichever is sooner. At Clintonville Pediatric Dentistry, we take pride in becoming a part of your child’s health journey early in life and remaining a part of it through your child’s teenage years.

Importance of the First Visit

Your child’s first visit to the dentist is an important part of establishing proper dental habits that stay with him or her throughout his or her lifetime. We understand that this initial visit may be stressful for both children and parents, but we are here to make you feel comfortable and confident in our care. Providing compassionate and friendly service has always been our focus. Dr. Jillian and our pediatric dental team are willing to walk you through every step to ensure that you understand what a first visit entails.

Preparing for the Appointment

Prior to your appointment, our team will make sure our office is ready to serve your child’s dental needs. We will have all the check-in information ready for you upon your arrival. We typically encourage parents to stay with their child during his or her first visit, as this provides a sense of comfort and security for children and allows the child to relax during the appointment. It also gives Dr. Jillian an opportunity to meet and discuss with parents some oral hygiene and diet practices to promote oral health. Time spent in the office during your child’s initial appointment may vary. If you have a time constraint, please call our office prior to your appointment and we would be happy to give you a time estimate.

What Happens During the First Visit?

One of the first things that Dr. Jillian and the Clintonville Pediatric Dentistry team is going to do during the initial appointment is get properly acquainted with your child. We want to build a relationship with your child and your family in order to make future appointments run smoothly. The second thing that Dr. Jillian is going to do is evaluate your child’s teeth and jaw development, and assess any issues your child may be having. Throughout the appointment, we will teach you about at-home oral care and what you can do to keep your child’s teeth healthy. The final step is scheduling your next appointment in six months, or sooner, to ensure that your child’s dental health stays on track.