A short, gentle introduction — not a full appointment.

What happens, step by step

1. You both meet a hygienist in the waiting area. No mask, no instruments yet.
2. Tour of the room. We show the chair, the light, and the "tooth counter" (a small mirror).
3. Your child sits with you, or on the chair if they prefer. You stay in the room the whole time.
4. A gentle count of teeth. If your child opens, great. If not, we try again next time.
5. Soft brushing and a fluoride varnish if your child is comfortable.
6. We talk with you about home care, snacks, and what to expect next.

When to come in, by age

0 to 12 months

Schedule the first visit around the first tooth or by the first birthday — whichever comes sooner. The visit is short and mostly for you: latch and bottle questions, what a healthy gum line looks like, and how to clean a single tooth.

1 to 3 years

Twice-yearly visits build familiarity. We focus on positioning, brushing songs, and spotting early changes. Most toddlers don't want a full exam — that's normal and fine.

4 years and up

Cleanings, fluoride, and tooth-by-tooth exams. We introduce X-rays only when a clear benefit outweighs the small dose — usually around ages 5 to 6, when back teeth meet.

What to bring

• Insurance card and ID, if you have them — not required for the visit to happen.
• A comfort item: a small toy, blanket, or pair of headphones.
• A snack and water for after, especially for younger kids.

How long it takes

Plan for 30 to 45 minutes. We don't double-book, so if your child needs a slow start, they get one. If anything serious comes up, we'll book a longer follow-up rather than rushing in the same visit.