Your Child’s First Dental Visit Made Simple
Most parents aren’t sure how the dentist will approach their child on their first dental appointment, how long it takes, or what the child will feel. Here we’ll walk you through every step so you can book your child’s appointment with confidence.
What Happens During Your Child's First Visit
Warm Welcome and Check-in
Your child is greeted by our friendly team and sometimes Iris, our facility dog. We check them in quickly, give you medical forms to fill out, providing your child time to get comfortable.
Explanation
and Gentle Exam
Before the dentist starts the exam, they ensure that your child is comfortable, they take some time to explain to them why they’re here, and what tools they’ll use during every step. Once your child feels comfortable, the dentist gently checks your child’s teeth, gums, and development using kid-sized tools and a calm, friendly approach. They might order a few X-rays if necessary, which would be taken in a protective, kid-friendly environment.
Dentist Review with Parent
The dentist reviews what they found, answers your questions, and explains anything to monitor or plan for.
Cleaning (if needed)
If a cleaning is needed, it’s done at your child’s pace, or a follow-up appointment might need to be scheduled. We explain each step in a kid-friendly language.
Next Steps and Questions
Before you leave, you’ll know what comes next whether it’s a follow-up, referral, or routine checkup.
What to Bring to Your Child's Visit
To help your child’s visit go smoothly, bring:
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- Completed forms (if provided ahead of time)
- A comfort item your child likes (optional)
- Any previous dental records you have
- Your child’s insurance card (if applicable)
If you forget something or aren’t sure what applies, our team will guide you when you arrive.
Pediatric Dentist vs.
General Dentist
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Pediatric Dentist
- Focused exclusively on infants, children, and teens, with care tailored to growing smiles.
- Appointments are adapted to a child’s pace, comfort level, and stage of development.
- Visit environment designed to help children feel relaxed and at ease.
- Treatment plans focus on monitoring growth and preventing future issues.
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General Practitioner
- Provides dental care for patients of all ages, from children to adults.
- Appointments typically follow a standard structure designed for a wide age range.
- Clinic environment designed for general family dental care.
- Treatment plans focus on overall dental care and maintenance.
Both pediatric and general dentists can care for your child’s smile. However, pediatric dentistry is designed with children’s needs in mind from start to finish.
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Specialized
training for children -
Communication
built for kids -
Preventative-first
approach -
Designed around how
kids experience care
FAQ’s
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What is a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist with additional training specifically in treating children, from infancy through the teen years. We understand how children’s teeth develop and how to make young patients feel comfortable during visits. At Kids Dental Group, all of our dentists are certified pediatric dental specialists.
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What age should my child start seeing a pediatric dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first visit within six months of your child’s first tooth, or by age one. Early visits help catch potential issues before they develop and get your child comfortable with the dental environment.
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How long can my child keep seeing a pediatric dentist for?
Most pediatric dentists treat patients up to age 18. At Kids Dental Group, we see kids, teens, and young adults. When your child is ready for orthodontic care, they can transition to our orthodontic specialists in the same office.
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Do you accept insurance?
At Kids Dental Group we accept CDCP coverage and bill most insurance companies directly, so you do not have to pay upfront and file for reimbursement later. Our team sends estimates and confirms your coverage before your visit.
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What is a frenectomy and does a pediatric dentist do it?
A frenectomy is a minor procedure to release a tight tissue connection (called a frenum) under the tongue or upper lip that can affect feeding, speech, or oral development. Our pediatric dentists are trained to evaluate whether your child needs one and can perform the procedure or refer to the appropriate specialist.
Over 1,000 Positive Testimonials...
My kids 6 and 4 always look forward to coming to the dentist! They love it there. Hygienists and dentists are excellent with the kids. Great team and atmosphere.
I took my 3 year old for his second appointment and the hygienist Ashley was very nice and positive! She answered all my concerns and communicated with patience. Dr.Carol came after and you can tell she had experienced working with kids. Thank you for all the staff ！ The best thing here is that they do direct billing with your insurance company so I didn’t have to pay upfront unlike my own dental place. I will definitely be bringing my second toddler here.
Dr Parker and now Dr A. are both highly skilled yet caring and personable, creating a warm and welcoming environment along with their staff. Thank you to Jane for the great care she provided to me and my daughter and to Cindi and Noreen for their friendly and upbeat attitudes. All of you have put a smile on my face.
Our family has been going to Kids Dental Group in Markham for years, and we couldn’t be happier. The entire office staff is very professional, caring and knowledgeable. The Dentists Dr Lee and Dr Antoniazzi are super stars.
The entire Kids Dental team from reception to hygienists and dentists is incredible. They are patient, thoughtful, and knowledgeable to say the least. We’ve had nothing but positive experiences at Kids Dental even when our kids had to have fillings and crowns, and we would recommend them without hesitation!
They are so kind and understanding of nervous kids, and make it such a lovely experience! They speak clearly, give clear directions on next steps, and the prizes for the kids are a big win afterwards! Thank you for being so wonderful!
And the list goes on....
