First time visitors–what you need to know
A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. We welcome you to browse this section to learn a little more about pediatric dentistry and how we work.
Every patient touchpoint has been designed around ease and comfort. Our waiting room is adorned with a lovely fish tank, games to play and nooks for reading. For a happy distraction, televisions are installed in each dental room for your child to view a movie or show (even your own, if desired) during the appointment. Yet, our favorite source for comfort resides in the form of information and education—learn more about what to expect and why below! |
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What is pediatric dentistry?
A specialized practice of medicine that requires focused education and training on the oral health and unique needs of children—above and beyond dental school. This 2-3 year specialized residency program prepares pediatric dentists to meet the unique needs of infants, children, adolescents and persons with special health care needs. The residency also prepares the pediatric dentist in areas of sedation dentistry and hospital dentistry. Only a dentist who has completed this rigorous pediatric dentistry residency program can own the title of a specialist in pediatric dentistry.
Upon completion of specialty training, an additional certification can be obtained from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. This certification involves a rigorous examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills, and experience required to deliver quality patient care to infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs. The board certifies pediatric dentists based on high standards of excellence and provides assurance to the public that they have successfully completed the accredited training. Dr. McGrath and Dr. Benitez have both completed this process and are proud to be board certified by the ABPD.
Successful completion of the examination process permits one to be designated a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. McGrath and Dr. Benitez are proud to be diplomates and it is important to them to maintain high standards of care in their practice.
A specialized practice of medicine that requires focused education and training on the oral health and unique needs of children—above and beyond dental school. This 2-3 year specialized residency program prepares pediatric dentists to meet the unique needs of infants, children, adolescents and persons with special health care needs. The residency also prepares the pediatric dentist in areas of sedation dentistry and hospital dentistry. Only a dentist who has completed this rigorous pediatric dentistry residency program can own the title of a specialist in pediatric dentistry.
Upon completion of specialty training, an additional certification can be obtained from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. This certification involves a rigorous examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills, and experience required to deliver quality patient care to infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs. The board certifies pediatric dentists based on high standards of excellence and provides assurance to the public that they have successfully completed the accredited training. Dr. McGrath and Dr. Benitez have both completed this process and are proud to be board certified by the ABPD.
Successful completion of the examination process permits one to be designated a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. McGrath and Dr. Benitez are proud to be diplomates and it is important to them to maintain high standards of care in their practice.
What to expect?
Our practice, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that your child visit the dentist six months after the eruption of the first tooth or by the age of one. More than 1 in 4 children in the United States have cavities by the time they are 4 years old and establishing a “Dental Home” for your child will allow for appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.
Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. We caution parents about using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear or anxiety, such as needle, shot, pull, drill or hurt. We want to help you and your child develop a positive opinion of the dentist and feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office. We invite parents to stay with their child during the appointment.
We wish to start seeing children for their first dental visit between the ages of one and two years old. It is very important to start your child off early which helps prevent cavities and develop wonderful oral hygiene habits.
At your child's first visit, we will review their medical and dental history and perform an examination . If your child is 3 years or older the visit will include a cleaning and only if needed, dental radiographs (x-rays). Children under the age of 3 are encouraged to visit the dentist for what is called a toddler screening. We will review the findings of the exam as well as give tips on prevention and diet.
Please call the office to schedule and we will be happy to answer any of your questions!
Our practice, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that your child visit the dentist six months after the eruption of the first tooth or by the age of one. More than 1 in 4 children in the United States have cavities by the time they are 4 years old and establishing a “Dental Home” for your child will allow for appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.
Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. We caution parents about using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear or anxiety, such as needle, shot, pull, drill or hurt. We want to help you and your child develop a positive opinion of the dentist and feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office. We invite parents to stay with their child during the appointment.
We wish to start seeing children for their first dental visit between the ages of one and two years old. It is very important to start your child off early which helps prevent cavities and develop wonderful oral hygiene habits.
At your child's first visit, we will review their medical and dental history and perform an examination . If your child is 3 years or older the visit will include a cleaning and only if needed, dental radiographs (x-rays). Children under the age of 3 are encouraged to visit the dentist for what is called a toddler screening. We will review the findings of the exam as well as give tips on prevention and diet.
Please call the office to schedule and we will be happy to answer any of your questions!
What if further treatment is needed?
If treatment is needed, a treatment plan will be developed and reviewed. The treatment plan allows us to explain treatment needs and options, and enables parents to ask questions. We feel if the parent is informed and feels comfortable with the treatment choice, this helps put the child at ease about their dental needs. We typically do not complete treatment the same day as the initial visit, a separate appointment will be scheduled. We want everyone to feel comfortable with the treatment plan and aware of all options available for your child to have a positive experience with any needed dental work.
If treatment is needed, a treatment plan will be developed and reviewed. The treatment plan allows us to explain treatment needs and options, and enables parents to ask questions. We feel if the parent is informed and feels comfortable with the treatment choice, this helps put the child at ease about their dental needs. We typically do not complete treatment the same day as the initial visit, a separate appointment will be scheduled. We want everyone to feel comfortable with the treatment plan and aware of all options available for your child to have a positive experience with any needed dental work.
