Dr. Johnny Johnson and Associates, Pediatric Dentists

First Visit

Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the American Dental Association (ADA), all recommend establishing a “dental home” for your child no later than 12 months of age. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventative and routine oral health care. Our office recommends your infant has his/her first dental visit around 6 months of age or when the first tooth erupts. This first appointment is used to detect cavities or oral abnormalities, assess your child’s particular risk for developing cavities, and educate parents on prevention and developmental milestones. After a “dental home” is established, we recommend your child begin routine dental exams and cleanings at 2 years old. Around this age, your child will have nearly all of their primary teeth and we can begin instilling good oral hygiene instructions and making your child feel more comfortable in our office.

At this office, it is our goal to create a fun, relaxed environment that will make each child feel comfortable and confident. The doctors and staff aim for every child to have a positive experience, starting from the first tour of our office to the last stop at the treasure chest on the way out. If old enough, your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions, similar to ‘show-and-tell’ at school. We only use child-friendly terms in our office, so please refrain from using words such as “shot”, “pull”, “drill”, “needle”, “pinch”, or “hurt”. The same message can be relayed without instilling any unnecessary fear and anxiety. We can help you with age appropriate words to help prevent creating anxiety about their appointment.

quiet treatment room with beautiful view

Generally, the great majority of parents prefer to relax in the reception room during their child's dental visit. Studies and experience show that children react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on their own and in an environment designed for children, just as it is for them in school. It is not uncommon for your child to experience nervousness or separation anxiety during the initial moments of their visit, however, our staff is highly skilled in helping your child overcome anxiety. Allowing your child to accompany our staff to the treatment area gives your child the opportunity to build a rapport with us and sets the foundation for a lifetime of positive dental experiences, in the same type of environment that they engage in at school.

We understand, however, your desire to share in your child’s first dental experience, and one of our staff members will be glad to take you to one of our ‘peek-a-boo’ spots. Here you can see your child during their visit, while remaining out of their line of sight. In this way, your child will be able to develop one-on-one rapport with the doctor and staff. We understand that every child is unique, and special situations arise in which parental presence is allowed or encouraged throughout the visit. At the end of your child’s first visit you will speak directly to the doctor and have all questions answered.

Dr. Johnny Johnson & Associates Pediatric Dentistry serves Palm Harbor and the surrounding Tampa Bay area, including including Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey, Holiday, North Pinellas, Tampa, Oldsmar, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, Ozona, Odessa, Port Richey, Hudson, New Tampa, Trinity, Hillsborough, East Lake