We aim to make your child’s first visit to our centre enjoyable and positive. You can help us in this endeavour in the following manner:

• If your child is old enough, please inform your child of the first visit to our centre in simple terms they understand. Your child may be 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”. Our clinic makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

We invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination. During future appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child’s confidence and overcome apprehension. However, if you choose, you are more than welcome to accompany your child to the treatment room. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.

The first visit will be about 30 minutes long and will include:

• Meeting the staff and becoming oriented to the dental office.
• A thorough visual examination.
• Any necessary x-rays.
• If necessary, a diagnosis and/or treatment plan will be discussed.
• An early simple treatment, if needed.