First Dental Visits

When should you bring your child for their first dental visit? The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that your child have their first visit to the pediatric dentist between the age of 12 and 18 months or when they have 6-8 teeth erupted.

The first visit to the dentist can be an anxious time for you and your child. Please answer your child’s questions in a positive manner. Explain that Dr. Scholzen will count their teeth and may even take pictures of them. Dr. Scholzen and the staff of Children’s Dental are trained especially to treat children and their special needs.

We want to help your child learn to take care of their teeth. Assure them that “the dentist will be gentle while looking,” and don’t forget to remind them that they will get a book and a balloon as a reward for helping us.

We will be taking necessary X-rays in order to determine your child’s present dental condition (We usually do not take X-rays on children under the age of 2). Your child’s teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and then examined by the doctor. Any necessary treatment will be scheduled for a later visit. 

Please do not be upset if your child cries. Children are often afraid of anything new and strange, and crying is a normal reaction to that fear. This is a practice geared to your child. 

We move at a pace comfortable to the child. We see many emergencies. If we run behind schedule, we apologize ahead of time, but we take the time each child needs. 

Parents may accompany the child in the treatment room during the examination. However, older children (6 years or above) often do very well by themselves; please use your discretion as to what will be best for your child.

After the initial examination of your child’s teeth, we will discuss the treatment needed, the fee, and the scheduling of future appointments. We will help maximize your insurance benefits and help file the claims.