Why a Positive First Dental Visit Matters
At BCC Pediatric Dentistry, we believe early positive experiences with oral health and hygiene (at the dentist and at home) set the stage for a life filled with easy dental checkups, cavity-free smiles, and good habits.
Our local pediatric dentist knows that your child’s first visit is a big deal for both of you. For that reason, we will do our best to make your experience stress-free, special, and fun. We’ll take the time to introduce ourselves and get to know each other. We love when kids tell us about their accomplishments, favorite things, and other developing interests! We’ll then ease into the dental examination explaining what we’re doing and why we’re doing it every step of the way.
It’s this focused attention to your child, relaxed pace, and transparency that not only helps them understand that dentists aren’t to be feared, but that putting in the effort with your smile is well worth it in the long run.
Helpful Tips for a Happy Visit
A pediatric dental first visit can be intimidating for both child and parent. To help you feel better prepared, we’ve put together a few tips that are designed to promote a convenient, easy, and fun experience. Don’t forget to also complete your child’s new patient forms before you arrive!
Normalize the Topic
Begin to talk to your child about their first dental visit a few months in advance. Use easy-to-understand words and be honest (but never negative or scary). Have fun playing pretend and try enjoying child-friendly books and videos together.
Face Fears Together
Be present for your child. Completing the forms/paperwork prior to the first visit will allow you to enjoy this time with your child and also reduce the time you spend in the waiting area once you arrive. Feel free to bring a comfort toy or blanket to the visit to soothe your child. This is a safe space!
Take Time to Learn About Teeth
Ask your child to look into your mouth and ask if they see any difference between the front teeth and the back. Try to count the teeth together. Share these discussions and positive progress with Dr. Shin when you meet her!
Get Ahead of Anxiety
Schedule a teledentistry appointment before the first dental visit. Even one meeting or exposure like this can help to relieve anxiety. Also, please consider that your child takes emotional clues from you. If you feel anxious about going to the dentist, please try to leave that at the door. Be positive, cheerful, and emphasize learning and fun. You are helping to shape the way your child feels about dental visits and their oral health and hygiene.
Limit the Negativity
Words carry a lot of weight. We recommend not using words like “hurt”, “pain”, or “scary”. Even when used in a positive or neutral context, your child may end up negatively associating them with dental visits. Instead, use words such as, “healthy”, “interesting”, “comfortable”, “clean”, and of course, “fun”!
Have Fun After Appointments
Plan some quality time with your child after each visit. Our office is conveniently located in the heart of Bethesda Row next to great stores, restaurants, cafes, and more that you can enjoy with your child. Before long, your child will associate dental visits with the quality fun time they share with you!
What to Expect During Your Visit
Arrival
Come right in! Let the front desk know that you and your child are here for a scheduled appointment. Our new office was designed with you in mind, so please sit in one of our comfy chairs and briefly wait to be called back.
Get to Know Our Friendly Staff
You and your child will have the opportunity to meet multiple people, from our lovely front desk staff and hygienists to Dr. Shin herself!
Special Picture Time
If your child is due for dental imaging, we’ll take time to get this step done at the top of the visit for health monitoring and record-keeping purposes. Dr. Shin loves to see those growing teeth!
Dental Examination
It’s time for your child to open wide! Dr. Shin is going to count their teeth and make sure there are no obvious problems that need attention.
Teeth Cleaning
We use a special toothbrush and toothpaste that teeth love.
Wrap-Up
If there are any questions, we’ll take the time to answer them but once your child is done with their appointment, it’s time to celebrate!
New Patient Exclusive
We’re excited to offer a special new patient package to make your child’s first visit fun, memorable, and filled with delightful surprises! For a limited time and while supplies last, when you book your child’s first dental visit, they’ll receive: a FREE drawstring bag, electric toothbrush, tongue scraper, toothbrush timer, and fun toys. These gifts help make oral care more enjoyable at home and create healthy habits for a lifetime! Book your child’s appointment today and make their first dental visit a bright and fun start to a lifetime of smiles!
Schedule an Appointment Today
When you’re ready, call our pediatric dental office in Bethesda, MD, at (301) 941-7374 to schedule an appointment or contact us online.