Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age.  Children who establish a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.  In order to foster the establishment of a dental home we are offering a free oral examination and parent education for patients that visit our office by age one year.  By seeing the child at age one or younger we can educate parents regarding the healthy dental habits that will prevent future decay.

Establishing us as your child's "Dental Home" provides an opportunity to implement preventive dental health habits that can keep a child free from dental/oral disease.  The most prevalent disease in children is dental caries (cavities).  We focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of dental diseases, and keep current on the latest advances in dentistry for children.

All of our doctors are specialists in pediatric dentistry.  This means that they spent an additional two years in a residency program after graduation from dental school.  Pediatric dentists are trained for the specific needs of children in the same way as pediatricians. This additional education includes child psychology, growth and development, prevention, restorative techniques, and behavior guidance.  Pediatricians recognize the benefit of seeking specialized care and prefer pediatric dentists for their own children.  Our staff are all also highly trained and experienced in working with children.  They are adept at assessing your child’s comfort level and tailor their approach to best meet the needs of your child. 

Pleasant visits to the dental office promote a trust and confidence within your child that will last a lifetime.  Our goal is to help all children feel good about visiting the dentist and to teach them how to care for their teeth.  Our special office designs and our communication style reinforce our main concern - your child's dental health and the development of a lifetime of healthy dental habits.

Before the first visit with us, we encourage you to talk with your child about the positive aspects of dentistry.  Help your child feel comfortable by expressing good feelings about dental visits as a necessary part of staying healthy.  By using phrases like "gentle and careful" instead of "won't hurt you" when describing their exam, your child will be more relaxed during their exam.

Our office staff will review the health history form with you at the first visit. At that time, you and your child will be introduced to our dental team. Parents are welcome to accompany their child into the treatment area during the initial examination. This gives you the opportunity to see our staff in action and allows your doctor to discuss dental findings and treatment needs directly with you. We do ask that if you accompany your child you assume the role of an observer. Your presence is greatly enhanced if you play a passive role. If more than one person is speaking to the child they may become confused. Cooperation and trust must be established directly between the doctor and your child and not through you.

We will perform a head and neck examination and evaluate the teeth and gums. Radiographs (x-rays) are taken only as they are indicated.  Your child’s risk for developing dental caries will be assessed and a prevention plan will be established.  We will then discuss our findings with you and answer any questions you may have.  On the first visit we will also talk about our education and prevention based philosophy of home centered dental care. 

You and your child will be scheduled for Oral Hygiene Instruction appointment where we will establish the foundation for your child’s lifelong dental health.  At the oral hygiene instruction appointment, one of our dental assistants will discuss and demonstrate both with you and your child the proper techniques for brushing and flossing you child’s teeth on a daily basis.   At all subsequent 6 month preventative maintenance appointments the exam, any needed xrays, and cleaning and fluoride treatment will be done on the same visit.     

We strive to make each and every visit to our office a fun one!