How to prepare your child for their 1st visit

Today dentistry for children is fun and enjoyable. Dr. Kelsey Bookmyer, or Dr. Kelsey to the kids, & parents, is a board certified pediatric dentist with 10 years of experience. Dr. Kelsey and her team have created a non-threatening, child-friendly environment that is both exciting to the kids and informative to the parents.

When explaining to your child that they will be going to see the dentist, do so in a positive excited way. Think of how you would tell them that they are going to the zoo for the first time. You would tell them about all of the new and different animal they will see. You might explain what some of the animals do, where they live in nature, and show pictures. You would be excited and positive and so would your child. You wouldn’t talk about how some of the animals bite and eat other animals. You wouldn’t talk about how the animals could escape their cages and harm your child. I’m sure you’re getting the idea.

Children pick up on their parents’ worries. If you are worried, they think they should be worried. So let’s talk about what happens at your first visit at our office. You and your child will be warmly greeted and introduced to the team that will be working with you. Parents and children are both welcome back in the treatment area. The hygienists Sherry or one of the dental assistants (Sara or Ashley M.) will take pictures (X-rays) of your child’s teeth and clean them, and Dr. Bookmyer will do an exam. We customize all of the procedures to the needs, age, and apprehension level of your child.

We go out of our way to make the first experience, as well as all of the additional visits a great experience. Remember that this is not a traumatic experience. Your child will likely do better than you expected. If your child cries or is apprehensive it is normal. Bringing them back by the second time is almost always a breeze. Many of our patients actually come running in the door they are so excited to come back. We are looking forward to seeing you and your child for a wonderful first dental experience.

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