What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first dental visit is designed to give your child an opportunity to meet Dr. Padilla or Dr. Lepetich in a non-threatening and friendly environment. We believe that parents play an important role as part of the health care team and we encourage you to participate in your child's dental experience by accompanying them through their appointment. Ensuring a positive and fun experience in a warm, caring and professional environment is our goal.
This first visit presents a great opportunity for your child to become familiar with the child-sized instruments used in the dental office and to meet the team. After "taking a ride" in the exam chair, the doctors will check all of your child's existing teeth for decay, examine their bite and look for any potential problems with the gums, jawbones and tissue. Together, with your child, you will learn about oral healthcare essentials for children and be able to ask any questions you may have. If cleaning/fluoride or treatment is recommended, Dr. Padilla or Dr. Lepetich will recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment.
During your visit, we’ll discuss topics such as:
- Good oral hygiene practices and cavity prevention
- Proper nutrition for infants, children and expecting mothers
- Fluoride needs
- Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking)
- Developmental milestones
- Teething
If you have concerns about your child’s teeth, please share them with the team.
The doctor will spend time talking to your child and explaining what to expect by using the “tell-show-do” method; which means we tell the child what we are going to do, we show them what we are going to do, and then slowly, with no surprises, do it.
After the exam and addressing any concerns you might have, Dr. Padilla or Dr. Lepetich will most likely recommend seeing your child every 6 months to increase their comfort level, to monitor the development of their teeth and to quickly treat any problems.
We are delighted that you have chosen Children’s Dental Village as your child’s dental home and look forward to seeing you.