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The First Visit

Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends that your child visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday.

It is necessary for the child's legal guardian to accompany him/her to their first dental visit in order to have all necessary records completed accurately and within legal guidelines.

Your child's first visit may include an examination, a dental prophylaxis (cleaning), fluoride treatment and digital x-rays appropriate to his/her age. Please do not plan on having cavities filled at the first visit. Our staff will explain all procedures, answer questions and develop a treatment plan for your child.

All Visits

You, the caregiver, play a very important role in your child's dental visits. May we offer some suggestions to make your child's visit(s) a pleasant one?

  • Please promote a positive attitude toward dentistry in general and avoid sharing negative childhood memories that you may have.
  • Please do not tell your child that it won't "hurt" as this may never have entered their mind. Please do not use words such as: "needle", "shots", "drill" or other words suggesting unpleasantness.
  • Any anxiety on your part will most likely be sensed by your child and they too will become anxious.
  • If your child inquires, you can help by telling him or her that we will gently "count" and "take pictures" of his or her teeth.
  • It is also important to remember that each child is an individual and his or her behavior is not always predictable.
We want everyone, child and caregiver, to feel comfortable at Smiles In Motion. We want you to gain confidence and trust in us, therefore you are welcome to accompany your child back for their first visit. If you feel they will do better without you present, you are still encouraged take a tour of our office, sterilization center and treatment area.
  • If your child needs restorative work, Dr. Spitz will most likely recommend that your child come back in the treatment areas alone, as this has proven time and time again to solicit more cooperative and confident children in the dental office.
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