Going to the Dentist

When to make the first visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that children with special needs see a dentist 6 months after the first tooth comes in and not later than 12 months. If you find that your family dentist is not comfortable seeing your child before age 3, you may want to see a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists have 2 to 3 years of special training after dental school. They provide primary and specialty oral health care for children with special needs.

Finding the right dentist
Review a Dental Office Considerations Checklist  and use it as a resource when you call a dentist.  Good places to start your search include:

• Check with your state's department of health (for Washington State, visit How to Find Dental Care and the Washington Dental Service).
• Check with the AAPD to find a pediatric dentist in your area.
• Check with the University of Washington's DECOD Clinic.
• Search our Resources Directory for Medical/Dental/Behavioral Health Services.
• Ask another parent of a child with a similar diagnosis (to help you connect with another parent, contact the Washington State Parent to Parent program or locate a program in your area).

Getting ready for your child's appointment
It might be helpful to take some time to think about your child's needs and how you can communicate this information to dental staff.  You can use the National Maternal Health and Child Health's Getting to Know Me Dental Questionnaire or modify our Getting to Know Me form.

• Ask if your child can have the first or last appointment of the day when scheduling your visit.
• Ask if the dental office can send or email paperwork for you to fill out at home before the visit.
• Talk with your child’s primary health care provider before you plan your dental visit. The dentist may need to consult with your child’s primary care provider before starting any dental care (especially for children with heart or lung conditions).
• Check if your child can be treated in a private or semi private room .
• Ask if the staff will call you by cell phone while you wait outside or in your car if your child may feel uncomfortable in a crowded waiting room.
• Talk to your child's dentist beforehand if you have questions about behavioral management during treatment or sedation.

Preparing your child
You know your child best.  Some children respond well to talking about what will happen before an event like going to the dentist and some do not.  See if any of the ideas below to help your child:

• Print out and share our A Visit to the Dentist story with your child.
• Play "going to the dentist" and take turns with your child being the patient and dentist.
• Talk about what will happen at the visit.
• Practice the "knee to knee position" at home. This is a common way that dentists care for small children or children in wheelchairs. In this position, you and the dentist sit facing each other with knees touching. You will hold your child facing toward you and then lay him/her back down across your legs with your child's head cradled in the dentist's lap (view image).
• Review the National Maternal and Child Oral Health's Preparing for the Hospital Dental Experience if your child will have a hospital dental experience.