When summer is starting to wrap up, it’s time again to prepare your children for another school year. Whether they are going to school for the very first time, or are returning for their final year before graduating, you want to make sure you have done everything to get your children ready for the year ahead. One thing you should be sure to include on that back to school checklist is a dentist appointment.

The start of a new school year is a great opportunity for parents to get all check ups completed, and have an up-to-date record of their children’s health. There is no better way to start the school year off right, than with better dental care habits and a routine that will keep your child healthy and happy.

We believe you’re never too young to take care of your teeth; which is why we offer three different types of Children’s Dentistry appointments to get your children on the right track:

Self-Care

This one-hour session, suited for children ranging from 2 – 6 years old, is meant to engage them about dentistry and dental care through play. This appointment uses puppets, models, microscopes, and tablets to give your child an interactive learning experience. Through this learning and engagement, the goal is to not only make them comfortable in the dental office, but to also encourage and motivate children to care for their teeth while at home, and continue to make healthy choices to promote dental health.

The self-care appointment also includes a dental hygiene appointment, a cleaning, and a check-up from Dr. Heidary.

Prep

While the self-care appointment helps children to feel more comfortable in the dental office, the prep appointment works to develop coping strategies so your child can feel more in control during their regular dentist appointments. During this 30 minute session, children “play dentist” by practicing dentistry on puppets using the tools and procedures that will be used in their own appointment.

As children often don’t get the chance to engage with the actual tools before an appointment, or aren’t walked through the procedures of a regular check-up, this prep appointment helps to alleviate the fear of the unknown during their future appointments.

Treatments

Different from the self-care and prep appointments, the specific dental treatment appointments are where parents are encouraged to get involved. These treatments are based on the individual child’s age, needs, and coping abilities. The goal of these appointments is to create an easy, and stress-free experience for the child. These appointments are 30 minutes each.

Children’s Dentistry

Each child’s program is customized to their specific needs, with the goal to create a fun, engaging way to learn about dentistry and their own oral health. Those who participate in the children’s dentistry program are more prepared for dental treatments, and we hope they will get fewer cavities, gum infections, and have fewer dental-related phobias and issues due to their familiarity and positive outlook on their dentistry experience.

General Dentistry

If your children are a bit older, they may already be familiar with the treatments and practices of the dental office, or aren’t quite suited for the Children’s Dentistry program. If that is the case, they should be receiving regular check-ups and appointments to maintain their healthy gums and teeth well into their adult years.

At any age, we will put together a customized preventative oral health program to give you a healthy smile for life. This program includes proper brushing and flossing tips, as well as information such as foods to avoid to best care for your oral health.

At Dr. Walter Heidary Family Dentistry, we have programs and appointments to suit children of all ages, as well as yourself. Be sure to contact us to book your back to school dentist appointments!