Children’s Dentistry of Chattanooga

Your Child's First Dental Visit

Fun & Friendly Pedatric Dental Office in Chattanooga, TN

Your child’s first visit is one of the most important of their entire experience with us. It sets the tone for all future visits and helps them begin establishing a feeling of trust and confidence. Along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend that a child’s first dental visit be scheduled shortly after their first birthday. We also ask that at least one parent or legal guardian of every new patient be present for the first visit.

We want dentistry to feel not only comfortable but enjoyable and this is our first opportunity to introduce you and your children to that concept.

You can let your child know that Dr. Goins and everyone on our wonderful staff will explain everything and will answer any questions they want to ask. It’s helpful if you take a casual approach to the first visit. We always avoid words that can lead to unnecessary fear, such as “needle” or “drill.” We’re experienced in dealing with children with anxiety and can explain treatment procedures in a positive and entertaining way.

smiling child during his first dental visit

The fun starts as soon as you come in the doors where you are greeted by cheerful murals, a climbing tree, a huge saltwater aquarium, books, games, comfy seating, and a model train zipping around above it all. Kids are immediately enchanted and delighted by our atmosphere. Once you are all checked in, we will show you around the office so you know where everything is and feel familiar with where the restrooms are, where your kids will be treated, and how we sterilize our equipment.

The staff is always excited to meet new patients and our hygienists find getting to know you and your children one of the highlights of their days. We never use a papoose or other restraining device to get the job done. Instead, we work with your child, using advanced behavior management techniques, a healthy dose of humor, communication, and an extra gentle touch.

Once you have consulted with the hygienist, and your child has had their exam, x-rays, and cleaning, you will all get to meet your doctor – Dr. Goins – and discuss all the finding of the exam as well as your concerns and questions. If there are oral-health issues that need to be addressed, we will discuss how to move forward with treatments. If your child has a clean bill of health, we will enroll them in the No Cavity Club, and you can just check out and be on your way – if your child will agree to leave the play area, that is! We look forward to seeing you next time!