First Visit
Our clinic recommends establishing a “Dental Home” for your child by one year of age. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.
You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. If old enough, your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.
It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle”, “shot”, “pull”, “drill” or “hurt”. The clinic makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.
The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the Emergency Room for parents
Infants – Infants and children under the age of three are generally treated on the parent’s lap in our conference area. During the first visit Dr. Musani will conduct an oral exam to check for any oral problems. A member of our team will then discuss preventive dental care, tooth brushing and answer any questions the parent may have.
Older Children – Older children will be examined in our preventive dental operatory. There they will have their teeth cleaned, fluoride placed and X- rays if needed. Our team members will review oral care techniques, and Dr. Musani will complete an examination of the oral structure.