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Your Child’s First Visit
At Grow Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that a child’s first dental visit is more than just an appointment—it’s the beginning of a lifelong relationship with oral health. Our goal is to make this first experience positive, comfortable, and even fun, so your child feels confident about visiting the dentist in the future.
Whether it’s your child’s first time ever or their first visit to our office, we take extra care to ensure the experience is relaxed and stress-free for both kids and parents.
When to Schedule the First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental appointment by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in—whichever comes first. Early visits allow us to:
- Check that teeth and jaws are developing normally
- Spot early signs of cavities or gum issues
- Give parents guidance on brushing, flossing, and nutrition
- Help children get comfortable in the dental environment
What to Expect
From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice our spa-like, kid-friendly atmosphere designed to help your child feel at ease. We’ll greet your family warmly, give your child a chance to explore the space, and explain what will happen during the visit in age-appropriate terms.
The first visit may include:
- A gentle examination of teeth, gums, and jaw growth
- A light cleaning to remove plaque buildup
- Fluoride treatment for cavity prevention (if appropriate)
- Tips and demonstrations for home care
We go at your child’s pace—sometimes that means a complete checkup, and sometimes it means simply sitting in the chair and getting to know us. The goal is to create trust and make future visits easier.
Our Gentle Approach
Dr. A.J. and our team use a “tell-show-do” method so your child understands what’s happening in a friendly, non-scary way. We encourage questions, celebrate cooperation, and praise bravery. If your child is shy or nervous, we allow extra time and offer comfort items like blankets or toys to help them relax.
By starting dental visits early and keeping them positive, we set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. At Grow Pediatric Dentistry, we look forward to making your child’s first visit the start of something wonderful.
Financial Info
At Grow Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality dental care in a welcoming, comfortable environment. We’re committed to making the financial side of treatment as simple and transparent as possible, so you can focus on your child’s health—not paperwork.
We accept a variety of payment options, including major credit cards, debit cards, and flexible spending or health savings accounts (FSA/HSA). Our team is happy to review costs before treatment begins and provide a clear estimate so there are no surprises.
If you have dental insurance, we will gladly help you navigate your benefits. We work with many insurance providers and will file claims on your behalf to make the process easier. Our team will explain how your plan works, what’s covered, and any out-of-pocket expenses that may apply.
For families without insurance—or for services not fully covered—we can discuss alternative payment arrangements. We also offer recommendations for third-party financing options to help spread costs into manageable monthly payments.
Our goal is to ensure that financial concerns never stand in the way of your child’s dental care. If you ever have questions about billing, insurance, or payment plans, our friendly front desk team is here to help you understand your options and find the best solution for your family.