Your First Visit

Our goal is to make your child's dental experience fun, positive, and educational.  We will provide you and your child with the highest level of attention and care in a fun, clean, and child-friendly environment. We welcome parents to accompany their child back to our treatment area for their checkup and cleaning.  

When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and our office all recommend that your child visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. This visit will establish a dental home for your child. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future.

Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?

The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Once a child's diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

What Will Happen on the First Visit?

At your first visit with us, we will spend time getting to know you and your child.

During the appointment, we will review your child's medical and dental history. We will gently examine your child's teeth, gum tissue and dental development.  Dr. Malik and his team will determine the extent of treatment that will be rendered at the first visit.  

We pride ourselves on a very friendly, inviting environment and we do all we can to help put you and your child at ease. In keeping with that effort, we encourage you to accompany your child in the exam room. We also encourage you to talk to your child about what to expect before coming in, without using any language that might cause apprehension.  It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle", "shot", "pull", "drill" or "hurt".  The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

Part of the visit to our office includes motivating your child toward healthy diet and hygiene to get them off to a great start.  For additional information on diet and dental health, please visit our Learning Center.

Do you allow parents back for treatment?

Parents are welcome to come back with their child during all new patient visits and subsequent cleaning visits. For treatment visits (fillings, extractions, etc), Dr. Malik recommends parents and other caregivers remain in the reception area. Our office has a "glass door policy" as all doors inside the treatment area are made of glass so you can check on your child during treatment time.

Experience has shown that children tend to do better when their attention can be focused in one direction. Dr. Malik has extensive training in behavior management and will work with your child in a way that allows them to understand each step of the visit. Part of the goal is to give children the confidence that they can "do it on their own." There's nothing better than seeing a proud child leaving after treatment, eager to tell mom or dad how great they did! In preparation for your child's visit, we ask that you avoid words like "drill", "needle", or anything similar that may scare a child. Dr. Malik and his team will present things in a more child-friendly manner.