I have been going round and round with my kids’ insurance. The problem I have had is that they don’t want to pay for a pediatric dentist. I decided that it was important that their first visit to the dentist be a stress-free and good one. I decided to pay out-of-pocket for a trip to the pediatric dentist. As luck would have it, I received a flyer in the mail with some great coupons to use to keep my initial cost down. This decision proved to be a great one because both Johnny and Joley did really, really well at their first visit and were both happy and willing to work with the hygienist and dentist. In fact, both said they want to go back!
When we got there, both were excited to see the waiting room. There was a big salt water aquarium, tons of books, a video player, and these really cool windows that showed the kids the exam room.
We had talked quite a bit about what to expect so they were both in good spirits waiting to see the dentist.
Up first was Johnny. The hygienist was so good about explaining everything to him. She was so patient and kind. He needed to get 4 sets of x-rays.
Next was Joley’s turn for x-rays. Since her teeth are so small and spaced together, they said they only needed two sets of x-rays. I really didn’t think she would be so willing to do this but she was good about it.
While little sissy was getting her x-rays, big brother had the choice to either play an XBox or Playstation. He was pretty excited!
Next up was cleaning time. Both kids had some super cool glasses to put on so that their eyes wouldn’t be bothered by the bright light. Johnny was pretty thrilled that, when he laid down to have his teeth looked at, there was a TV over his head that he could watch a movie on.
He did a great job getting his teeth cleaned and the dentist counting and “painting” the fluoride on them. The hygienist called the fluoride treatment “super hero vitamins for your teeth” and Johnny thought that was pretty cool.
Joley did not get her teeth cleaned. They counted her teeth and checked her x-rays. She thought her glasses were pretty darn cool though.
The final verdict was that I got a “good job” for keeping the kids’ teeth healthy. Both were cavity-free! Johnny has a few loose teeth and, after seeing the x-rays, I expect we will have several lost teeth over the next few months. His 6 year molars are a few months away too. The Tooth Fairy needs to start saving up for what is to come.
After they finished up, they got their goody bags that contained floss sticks, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. They also both received a token to put in the treasure tower for a prize, a balloon, a sticker, and a sugar-free freezer pop.
It was a great visit and I am so glad that things went well. Both kids are totally fine about going to the dentist again which was my main goal. If you live near me, please ask and I will let you know the dentist we went to because he was great, the hygienist was fabulous and I am very happy with our visit.
Maya Z says
What a great dentist office! I took M to a pedes dentist and it was awful. We were made to wait over an hour past our appointment time, they didn’t help him feel calm, just said oh we can’t clean his teeth, and sent us home. He wasn’t even crying, just fidgety/nervous.
Stefany says
That is such a shame Maya. 🙁
Jenny says
That looks like such a fun place! I saw you are in St. Charles, I’m in St. Louis and go to Sunset Hills Dental Group. I’ve been going there since I was a kid and now take my daughter there. They don’t have any of that cool stuff you posted above, but I really trust the dentists and have always been happy there.
candace says
I’ve been looking for a pediatric dentistfor my 3yr. old son. I live in Baltimore,MD and took him to a dentist around him, well they cleaned his teeth and then the dentist came in and looked into his mouth. NO CAVITIES was the good news. The bad news was that they said basically “they aren’t really a dental office”. They only clean teeth- NOTHING ELSE! Plus the waiting room wasn’t too tidy. If anyone reads this from the Baltimore area and knows of a great pediatric dentist please email me at candaceflamm at yahoo dot com. Or leave a comment below. Thanks!, Candace
Stefany says
I sent out a request on Twitter to see if we can get you some help Candace.
Debby Pucci says
Looks like it was very kid friendly and I’m so glad they had a nice visit with the dentist.
Stefany says
It was great Debby! Thanks!