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Your Child’s First Visit

At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we make your child’s first visit a memorable, positive experience. Our team focuses on building trust and comfort, ensuring your little one feels at ease every step of the way.

Creating Confidence & Trust

A child’s first dental visit sets the tone for how they feel about dental care for the rest of their life, and we take that seriously. From the moment your family walks through our door in Westbury, our team works to make the experience feel safe, unhurried, and even fun. We use child-friendly language to describe everything we are doing, we move at your child’s pace, and we never rush through a visit just to get to the next one. Dr. Vohra and Dr. Barzideh both understand that a child who leaves their first appointment feeling good about what just happened is a child who will show up willingly for every appointment after. That trust starts here.

Comprehensive First Visit Assessment

Your child’s first visit at Little Roots is a full evaluation, not just a quick look. We assess the development of their teeth and jaw, check for early signs of decay or bite concerns, examine gum and soft tissue health, and take digital X-rays if age and development make them appropriate. For infants and toddlers, we also discuss feeding habits, teething, pacifier use, and anything else that may be shaping how their mouth is developing. Every finding is explained clearly to parents, and we create a personalized care plan that reflects where your child is right now and what to watch for going forward. You will leave the appointment knowing exactly what is happening in your child’s mouth and what the plan is.

Welcoming Your Child’s First Visit

Our Westbury office was designed with children in mind. The environment is warm, colorful, and intentionally different from the clinical atmosphere that makes some kids anxious before they even sit down. We welcome children of all ages and all temperaments, including those with special healthcare needs, sensory sensitivities, or previous difficult dental experiences. If your child has had a hard time at the dentist before, tell us when you schedule. We will set aside extra time, adjust our approach, and make sure the visit is nothing like what they are expecting. Parents are always welcome chairside, and we keep you informed and involved every step of the way. When the appointment is over, we want your child asking when they get to come back.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Child's First Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. Starting this early gives our team a chance to monitor development from the beginning, catch any concerns before they progress, and help your child build a positive association with the dentist while they are still young enough to be naturally curious rather than anxious.

The first visit is low-key by design, especially for very young children. We introduce your child to the office, the chair, and our team in a friendly and unhurried way. We then conduct a gentle examination of the teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development, and take digital X-rays if they are clinically appropriate for your child’s age. We discuss findings with you, answer any questions, and provide personalized guidance on brushing, diet, and fluoride. Most first visits for young children take about 30 to 45 minutes.

Please bring your child’s insurance card, any completed new patient forms, and a list of any medications your child takes regularly. If your child has a comfort item like a stuffed animal or blanket, bring that too. A familiar object can make a real difference in how a young child feels during their first visit.
Keep it simple and positive. Tell your child they are going to meet the dentist, who will count their teeth and make sure their smile is healthy and strong. Avoid words like shot, hurt, or drill, and try not to share any dental anxiety you may have yourself. Reading a children’s book about visiting the dentist in the days before the appointment can also help. Our team is experienced at taking it from there once you arrive.
Yes. Parents are always welcome chairside at Little Roots, especially for first visits and for younger children. Your presence can make a significant difference in how comfortable your child feels. If at some point our team suggests a brief moment with just the child, it is only to help them build confidence independently, and we will always ask your preference first.