First Visit – What To Expect
Your child’s first dental visit is very important. Our goal is to help you establish your child’s dental home, where they will learn to be comfortable with dental care for their entire life.
The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the first dental evaluation be scheduled within 6 months of the eruption of your baby’s first tooth (or by age 1).
OUR PROMISE: We will,
- Always put your child’s best interests first.
- Make all treatment recommendations based on integrity and honesty.
- Always provide you and your child our best effort.
- Listen intently to any concerns, questions, or desires you may have.
- Never take x-rays (see link to advanced technologies) or perform invasive procedures without your permission.
- Parents are welcome to accompany their child into the treatment areas. The only exception, due to safety, is during sedation visits.
During this first visit, we will obtain and review important background information, like your child’s medical, dental, and family history. Then, depending on your child’s age and level of comfort, a dental examination will be performed. For very young patients, a knee-to-knee technique will be utilized. For older patients, a cleaning, fluoride treatment, and selective radiographs may be performed. Dr. Geshay or his team will present you with specific information outlined in writing detailing the thoroughness of our exam process, the outcome of our findings, and presentation of a treatment plan.
We take great pride in our efforts to communicate clearly and effectively with parents. To accomplish this, after every dental appointment parents receive a booklet explaining what we have accomplished, our findings and recommendations. Here is a sample of some of our treatment brochures:
- New Patient Acquaintance Brochure
- Your Child’s Preventative Recare Visit Brochure
- Everything a Parent Should Know About Their Child’s Teeth – Birth to Age 2
- Infant Anticipatory Guidelines – Birth to 12 Months
- Toddler Anticipatory Guidelines – 18 Months to Age 3
- Preschool & School age Anticipatory Guidelines – Age 3 to Age 7
Also, we may review topics such as nursing bottle use, limiting liquid sugars, home care techniques, and digit sucking habits. We will provide information regarding oral hygiene instruction, dental development, dietary and nutritional counseling, and review Dr. Geshay’s treatment plan recommendations. You will always be given written reports or home care instructions following every visit.
After all your questions have been addressed, our receptionist will help you schedule any necessary dental treatment or the next 6 months check-up visit.
ADDITIONAL PARENT GUIDELINES
Cell Phones : The use of cellular phones is prohibited in the treatment areas. The extra conversation carried on by others in the clinical areas can be most distracting to children, preventing us from close, careful communication with each young patient. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Words We Use : When we talk with children about dental care, we are careful to use words that create a positive and relaxed mind set. In other words, we use friendly terms and try to avoid words that might sound scary. You can help your child have a good first visit by also taking about dentists and dental care in a very positive manner. (see Words We Use )
Parents Interaction During Treatment : It is very important that Dr. Geshay and his team establish a close repoire with your child, especially during treatment. Dr. Geshay has over 28 years of experience working with all types of patient personalities, anxieties, and behavior. For this reason, parents should try not to interfere in this interaction between Dr. Geshay, and staff, and your child. We have found that treatment outcome is safest and your child will respond best to treatment when parents act as silent but supportive observers. (see Parents Operatory Guidelines )
48 Hour Rule Cancellation Policy : The scheduled appointment is reserved specifically for your child. Any changes in this appointment affects many patients. If cancellation is unavoidable, please call the office at least 48 hours in advance to that we may give that time to another patient.
If you at any time have any questions, feel free to ask our staff or call our office at (724) 439-1576. We are here to help in any way we can. We appreciate you entrusting your child’s dental health to us.