First Visit

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first-visit.jpgWelcome to our practice!

Prior to your first visit, you will receive our Welcome Packet that contains our practice forms.

  • Please complete these before your first visit so that we may maximize your time with us.
  • Bring all of your questions and concerns to our attention at this visit. 

Depending on the type of appointment you have scheduled as the first visit, we recommend you visit the appropriate pages, links below:

Myofunctional Therapy
Tongue, Lip and/or Cheek-tie Releases
Dental Emergencies

The following information applies to nonemergency dental visits as a new patient.

Ideally the first dental visit should be as an infant (see bottom of page for more on infants), prior to age one and scheduled immediately after birth if there are any feeding problems or around 6 months of age if there are no feeding problems.  It is optimal for this first visit to be before the first tooth appears in the mouth. 

The most important part of the visit is ensuring proper growth and development of the mouth and assessing feeding and sleep (airway).  It is also to help parents understand their role in preventing tooth decay, this is best done prior to the arrival of the first tooth.  And finally it is an important visit for the family to get to know and become comfortable with the pediatric dentist and her team.  A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put parent and child at ease during future dental visits. We allow infants and small children to sit/lay back in a parent's lap during the exam. Children are encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel. 

The first appointment lasts approximately an hour. We start by reviewing your child's medical and dental history - if your child has teeth, nutrition, completing a comprehensive exam, and obtaining any necessary images and/or x-rays.

This visit allows us to gather the information necessary to develop a customized plan for optimal oral and overall health based on age, disease, function, diet, and facial profile.

A professional dental cleaning and re-mineralization therapy is usually also performed at this first visit, but only if your child has teeth, these services are necessary, part of the initial plan, and these services are not contraindicated because of a medical reason.

The information we gather will allow us to recommend the best options for your child's future oral health and care.

When should a parent schedule the first pediatric dentist visit?

"We had tried a different children's dentist prior to finding Dr. Molly. My daughter would fuss about the dentist. We had a friend suggest Dr. Molly. What a difference! She looks forward to coming. Not only for Dr. Molly but everyone who works at the office. From the minute we walk in, you are greeted with a warm smile and a friendly hello. Everyone feels excited to see your child and hear of the progress he/she has made in their life. You leave with a sense of happiness. I would strongly suggest Dr. Molly's office to anyone with a child. Thank you to all our friends at Dr. Molly's."
- Marschica Dudley
"I really appreciate the excellent care and attention they give to my boys and how they teach them about long-term care."
- Azley Thorpe