Getting ready for the dentist.
New chair, bright light, a stranger looking in your mouth. A lot to take in. Here's a gentle way to walk through it first.
Visual schedule
Dentist Visit
- drive to the dentist
- sit in the waiting room
- meet the dentist
- open wide
- count my teeth
- all done
- pick a sticker
More ways to prepare for the dentist
What to expect
The first visit is mostly looking and counting, often no cleaning at all. Telling your child exactly what happens, in order, takes most of the surprise out of it. You know which steps your kid will snag on. Change anything.
One tip from a dad who's been there
Ask the office for the quietest appointment slot (often first thing in the morning) and bring the printed schedule so the dentist can follow your child's order, not theirs.
