Your Child's First Dental Visit
A calm, kid-paced first visit that sets your child up to feel safe at the dentist for life.
The first visit is about your child meeting us — nothing more.
First visits at First Smile are short, gentle, and entirely on your child's pace. Your child does not have to do anything they don't want to do. We will not force an exam, and we will not push past a "no."
The goal is simple: your child leaves thinking the dentist was an okay place to be. Everything else builds from there.
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Walk in — no pressure
We greet you and your child at their level. There is no rush, no pressure. We expect curiosity, hesitation, or quiet — all of it is normal.
- 2
A look around the room
Before any exam, your child gets to see the chair, the light, the funny "tooth counter" mirror, and meet the team. Tell-show-do, every step.
- 3
Knee-to-knee or in your lap
For babies and young toddlers, the exam happens with your child sitting in your lap, knee-to-knee with Dr. Morrow. Your child looks up at you the whole time.
- 4
A gentle look around
Dr. Morrow checks your child's teeth, gums, jaw, and bite for development and any early concerns. We polish if your child is comfortable; we skip if not.
- 5
Time to talk
We sit down with you to go over what we saw, brushing tips for this age, fluoride and diet questions, and what to expect at the next visit. Bring your questions.
Age-by-age
What dental care looks like at each stage of childhood.
By age 1 (or first tooth)
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age 1, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. The visit is mostly about establishing a relationship, checking development, and getting you the brushing and feeding guidance for this age.
Toddler years (1–3)
Short, friendly visits every six months. Lots of practice opening wide, counting teeth, and getting comfortable in the chair. We help you navigate teething, pacifier weaning, and bottle-to-cup transition.
Preschool (3–5)
Full exams, gentle cleanings, age-appropriate fluoride, and conversations about brushing independence. Visits become a familiar routine.
School age (6+)
Adult teeth start coming in. We monitor for orthodontic concerns, talk about sealants, and help kids own their brushing and flossing routines.
What to bring
- Insurance card (or call us before the visit if you have benefits questions)
- Your child's medical history and any current medications
- A favorite small comfort item (stuffy, blanket, fidget) if it helps your child
- Any questions you've been holding onto
{{REVIEW: add link to downloadable new patient forms once they exist as a PDF or online intake}}
Schedule your child's first visit
New patients welcome at both Delaware locations.