Dr. Kisha Steele Mitchell recommends establishing a “dental home” for your child by age one. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association® (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend this early dental visit.
On the first visit, your child will have a comprehensive exam that includes counting their teeth. Your child’s teeth will be cleaned, and if needed,“take pictures” (dental radiographs) of their teeth. Our dental team will explain each step so your child will know exactly what’s next! Near the end of the visit we will provide you with information regarding your child’s oral hygiene, oral health and treatment needs.
During future appointments, we suggest that parents encourage your child to experience independence by receiving their treatment while you wait in the reception area. We strive to quickly establish a rapport with your child, as we seek to gain their confidence and overcome apprehension. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception area with a supervising adult.
The Dentistry For Kids, Pediatric & Orthodontics team makes great efforts to ease the fears of patients by using non-threatening words to describe our instruments and procedures. Please take part in this practice by refraining from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle,” “shot,” “pull,” “drill” or “hurt.” It is our hope that our enthusiasm about promoting great oral health will be contagious! We strive to make each and every visit to our office a fun one!
Please contact us at 704-948-8494 to schedule your child’s first dental visit with our caring pediatric dentist and orthodontist. For your convenience, we have provided New Patient Forms online. Please follow the link provided here to access our forms. We encourage you to complete them and bring them with you to your child’s first appointment. Dr. Mitchell and our team look forward to meeting your family!