Welcome to NC Pediatric Dentistry
We are always happy to welcome new patients to our practice! Just as your child has several well-child visits to the pediatrician as an infant, getting your child comfortable with coming to the dentist starts early and allows us to help promote a future of happy, healthy smiles. Your initial visit will provide a friendly, caring introduction to our dental home where lifelong relationships begin. The initial time spent with your child will include but not be limited to dental education, nutrition counseling, growth & development evaluation, insurance benefits evaluation as well as a comprehensive exam that will outline existing dental concerns.
As important as it is for our young patients to be happy and comfortable, we feel the exact same way about parents. Our families love our fun and kid-friendly approach to preventive and restorative care and dental health education. We’re a unique dental office that caters to our patients and patient families; that is why parents are welcome to accompany their child at all times during your visit to our office.
It is very important to make a child’s first visit to the dentist as positive and enjoyable as possible. We hope the information you find on this page will help prepare your family for the first visit. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office if you have any additional questions. We look forward to proudly serving you and your family soon!
On Your First Visit
Visit our COVID-19 Page to review information about our new safety protocols.
We ask all new patients to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork. Here are some additional items you will need that will help your first visit go smoothly.
- Picture Identification
- Insurance Cards
- X-Rays taken within the last 6 months (if applicable)
- List of Medications (if applicable)
- New Patient Paperwork
- Legal Guardianship Papers (if applicable)
Practice Terminology
Medical terminology can be scary and some of the words used to describe dental procedures can be frightening—even to adults. That’s why we have created “kid-friendly” terms that will help provide a better, more positive experience. We encourage our parents to adopt some of our terms to prepare their child for the first visit.
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Cancellation Policy
Your scheduled appointment is reserved specifically for your child. Any change in this appointment could affect other patients. If you would like to change or cancel the appointment, please call the office within 48 hours of the visit.
Should you have questions about any of the above information or need additional assistance at any time, please feel free to ask our staff. We’re here to help you and your child however we can.
FAQs
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.
How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist?
A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.
Toothpaste: When should we begin using it and how much should we use?
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
For more common FAQs, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.