Please read below for some important information about your child's first visit:
Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that a child’s first dental visit be scheduled by his/her 1st birthday. It is very important to make the first visit as positive and enjoyable for the child as possible. We want your child to enjoy getting to know our doctor and staff and be comfortable at all times. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. Let the child know that Dr. Angela Hilton-Foley and her team will explain everything in detail and will answer any questions he/she has. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.

When should my child see the dentist?  Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that a child’s first dental visit be scheduled by his/her 1st birthday. It is very important to make the first visit as positive and enjoyable for the child as possible. We want your child to enjoy getting to know our doctor and staff and be comfortable at all times. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. Let the child know that Dr. Hilton-Foley and her team will explain everything in detail and will answer any questions he/she has. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel with us.                                                               

What happens at the first visit?  During your child's visit, we will record the child’s dental and medical history, complete a comprehensive examination and discuss any findings with you. We will also review the importance of maintaining a good dental health program with you and your child to ensure a healthy and beautiful smile for life. We will take digital x rays, clean their teeth, and give fluoride if appropriate for their age.  You child will be rewarded at the end of their visit.

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Can I come back into the treatment room?  Parents should not make a big deal out of the visit and refrain from using any words that could cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle” or “drill”, or even say things like "it won't hurt ".  All these words can actually create fear in a child, who really fears the unknown.  We are experienced in dealing with children with anxiety and can explain treatment procedures in a positive and pleasant manner to avoid any anxious or negative feelings toward dentistry. Children usually do much better without the parent in the room.  Our office will never prohibit you from going  into the treatment room, but we'd prefer it if you could stand behind us, out of your child's sight, to watch and listen what your child is experiencing. Experience has shown that once the child bonds with the caregiver, they will do really well and actually enjoy coming to the dentist!


Please BE CAREFUL with your words:  Before your visit, we ask that you avoid certain words that may increase anxiety and fear.  Keep older siblings from talking to their younger siblings about the dentist, if you think that they may create a poor image.  Children will pick up on your fear or any negative manner in which things are presented to them. 

Don't say," it won't hurt"  or "don't be afraid", or "Be a big, tough boy or be brave", because those very words can make someone think that there IS something to fear.  Really, the less that is said, the better for the child.  We explain things as we go and try to make it gentle and fun for the kids.  Today, with modern fluoride, air abrasion, the wand 2, and dental sealants, in addition to early prevention and education, kids just don't experience what the generations before them have experienced.  Let's give them a good start and make it really FUN!!    

Here are some buzz words and their substitutions:                                                 back to top 

 Parents:
Ask us how we can document your child's teeth, DNA, and saliva. Impressions usually taken at 3,7,12 years of age.
 

Thank you for your assistance.  We look forward to seeing your children and forming a healthy, happy, lifelong relationship with your child.                                                                                                back to top