Thistlewood
(608) 555-0129 Book a first visit

First dental visit, Madison

First dental visit in Madison: what happens, scene by scene.

A first dental visit is mostly a hello. We look at the teeth, show you how to clean them and answer your questions, while your child meets the room, the tools and the people. You stay beside them the whole time, and nothing happens that has not been shown and explained first.

  • By age oneor within six months of the first tooth
  • 30 to 45 minutesfor most first visits, shorter for babies
  • You stayin the room, always
(608) 555-0129

Book a first visit

Four answers. Wes replies within one business day and tells you exactly what the visit will look like.

No newsletters, no sales calls. Prefer to talk? (608) 555-0129

The idea

The first visit sets the tone for every visit after it. So we make it short, we make it kind, and we make sure your child leaves thinking it was interesting rather than something to dread.

Scene 1

The visit

Six scenes, from the door to the treasure chest.

Every first visit follows the same gentle order. Knowing it in advance helps parents, and it helps children too.

  1. 01

    Arriving

    Come a few minutes early. There is a window, a toy shelf and no hurry. We check in on a tablet and nobody calls your child name across a crowded room.

  2. 02

    Hello from Wes

    Our child guide says hello, asks what your child likes and carries that interest into the visit. A dinosaur fan will be counting dinosaur teeth.

  3. 03

    The little chair

    We show the chair, the light and the mirror on a teddy bear first. Then we ask your child if they would like to try. If not yet, we wait.

  4. 04

    Counting and looking

    We count teeth out loud and look for anything that needs attention. Babies and toddlers often sit on your lap with their head resting on ours, knee to knee.

  5. 05

    The treasure chest

    Every visit ends with a sticker and a toothbrush. You also get a written, two-minute home plan that fits your child age and your family routine.

  6. 06

    Walking out proud

    We book the next visit and send you home with questions answered. The goal is that your child wants to come back.

A friendly clean tooth character with bubbles, stars and a big toothbrush
Counting teeth, one by one.

Getting ready

Four small things that help on the day.

01

Talk about it simply

Say that the dentist will count and look at their teeth. Skip words like hurt, shot and drill, which make children listen for the wrong thing.

02

Read a picture book

A short story about a dentist visit in the week before is plenty. We also keep a few in the waiting room.

03

Pick a good time

Book when your child is rested and fed. For babies, that often means right after a nap.

04

Bring comfort

A favourite toy or blanket is welcome, and so are your questions. Write them down so none get lost.

For parents

What you do in the room.

You sit beside the chair, or hold your baby or toddler for the exam. Your job is to be the calm face your child can look at. We do the explaining and the looking.

If your child is worried, you do not need to say much. A hand on a shoulder is plenty. We take cues from your child, and if they need a break, we stop. Some first visits are only a short look and a ride in the chair, and that is a good first visit too.

  • Stay close, stay calm
  • Let us do the talking about the tools
  • Praise bravery, not silence
  • Ask us anything, any time
A teddy bear in a child-sized dental chair beside a kind dentist holding a big tooth model

FAQ

Questions about the first visit

Still wondering? Call (608) 555-0129.

How early should my child see a dentist?

By the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth. A very early visit is mostly a conversation, and it gives you a chance to ask about teething, bottles, pacifiers and brushing.

Will there be X-rays or treatment at the first visit?

Usually not. For most young children the first visit is an exam, a gentle cleaning and a plan. X-rays are taken only when they are needed, and we explain why before taking any.

What if my child cries?

Many children do, and it is not a failure. We slow down, let them hold a tool, and give them time. Crying toddlers are often easiest to examine knee to knee on a parent lap.

Can both parents come?

Yes. One parent usually sits at the chair, and another is welcome to sit nearby. Siblings are welcome too, and often make the best audience.

How long does the visit take?

About 30 to 45 minutes for most children, and shorter for babies. We plan extra time if your child is nervous, because a calm pace matters more than the clock.

What does it cost?

We do not list prices on this site. You get a written estimate before any treatment. We work with most major PPO plans and offer third-party financing.

Madison, Wisconsin

Ready for a calm first hello?

Tell us a little about your child. We reply within one business day, explain exactly what the visit will look like, and you stay in the room the whole time.

(608) 555-0129

Monday to Thursday8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday8:00 am to 2:00 pm
First Saturday of the month9:00 am to 1:00 pm, family Saturday
Other weekendsClosed

Book a first visit

Four answers. Wes replies within one business day and tells you exactly what the visit will look like.

No newsletters, no sales calls. Prefer to talk? (608) 555-0129

Call now Book a first visit