Your First Visit

What to Expect on Your First Visit!

We understand that you may be anxious about how your child will react to the dental chair. You can feel confident that we’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, explain every step of the treatment, and answer all of your questions. You take part in every decision, from X-rays and cleanings to fluoride treatment and more.

Since we work exclusively with toddlers, children, and teens, we know the little tricks to make their visit as fun and enjoyable as possible. Fortunately, modern pediatric dentistry offers a variety of techniques, local anesthetics, and relaxation methods to help us make your child comfortable. Our goal is to make sure that you both leave our dental office with a big smile!

Questions/Answers

Do you allow parents to stay with their child during the visit?

We welcome parents to accompany their children while touring the office, and during their first appointment. On subsequent visits, while your child is having their treatment, we encourage parents to relax in our front office.

Doing so builds a relationship of trust between our patients and our team. Should your child need your comfort, we will gladly invite you into the treatment room where your presence can be reassuring.

We kindly request that parents act as a silent support system; this again allows for the patient to interact with Dr. Gerry and his team in a trusting manner with clear instructions and encouragement.

How should I prepare for my child's visit?

Please do not over-prepare your child for their appointment. If we introduce your child to dentistry before any negative opinions are formed, we usually obtain a better relationship and more willing cooperation from your child.
Please do not share your anxiety about the visit with your child. An anxious parent can contribute to a child's anxiety. Many parents want to know the best way to prepare their children for their first visit. This is a great opportunity where less is actually more. Tell them they are going to have their teeth counted, and it will be fun and easy.
Please refrain from saying, “The dentist will not hurt you” as this suggests that it is a distinct possibility. Instead, say, “The dentist will be very gentle with you.”
Please avoid words that suggest negative images such as “shot”, “ pull”, “yank”, “cut”, “hurt” and “drill”. Dr. Gerry and his friendly staff will be consistent when speaking to your child and only use positive language when something may be uncomfortable. We pride ourselves on being extremely gentle, friendly, and positive with all our children. We go slow and apply for the SHOW, TELL, DO METHOD. This makes even a shy child feel nurtured and comfortable.
You should not be upset if your child cries. As children are often afraid of anything new and strange, we consider crying just “loud cooperation”.
Please feel free to call us if you have any particular concerns or requests in preparation for your child's visit!

When should I bring my child for their visit?

The Canadian Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a parent should establish a dental home for your child once the first tooth appears or no later his/her first birthday to prevent dental problems.

What happens during the first visit?

Our staff will greet you and get to know you and your child, so we know how to approach their individualized care.

Your infant or toddler’s first dental visit is very different from what an adult is accustomed to at the dentist. Much of the appointment is a comfortable conversation between the dentist and child’s parent or guardian discussing the oral hygiene routine at home and patient’s diet.

If any treatment is needed, we will then give you options for treatment and also provide an estimate of costs as well as help determine your insurance coverage.

You will have the opportunity to ask any questions, so please bring in a list so we can be sure to address all of them!

How long before our appointment time should we arrive?

For all appointments, we kindly request that you check-in 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time. There is plenty of room for your child to play and enjoy the reception area and for you to take a break from your busy day! We understand that traffic and life can cause unexpected delays; please notify our office if you are running late for your appointment.

We reserve the right to reschedule if the patient arrives 15 minutes or more beyond their scheduled appointment time.

Be sure to bring your smile and your completed forms and insurance information.

What payments do you accept?

Payment for your child’s consultation and/or treatment is due at the time of your appointment.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Cash or Debit card.

If you have dental insurance, we are pleased to submit your claim and send it on your behalf to your insurance carrier. Your carrier pays you directly for your expenses (based on your eligible benefits).