Your Child's First Visit

You want this visit to go well, and you're not always sure what that depends on. Here's what we've found actually helps, and why.

Before You Arrive

Time it around your child's rhythm, not the calendar.

Kids do better mid-morning or early afternoon, after a nap and a meal, rather than when they're already running on empty. Arriving 10 minutes early gives everyone a chance to settle in before the visit starts, instead of walking in already rushed.

Choose your words with intention.

Kids pick up on charged language faster than we expect. Telling your child the dentist will count their teeth and make sure they're strong keeps things neutral. Words like "shot," "needle," and "drill" introduce a worry that wasn't there to begin with, so we leave them out.

Give them a preview they can relate to.

A story or show about visiting the dentist turns an unfamiliar experience into a familiar one. A few we recommend: The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss, Peppa Pig's "The Dentist," Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood "Daniel Visits the Dentist," and Dora the Explorer's "Show Me Your Smile!"

What Actually Happens During the Visit

Here's exactly what to expect, step by step, so there's nothing to guess when you walk through our doors.

Check-In and a Welcome Photo

You'll be greeted right away, and if you haven't filled out your new patient forms ahead of time, we'll hand those to you at check-in. We'll also take a welcome photo of your child, the first entry in what becomes their record with us.

A Private Conversation First

Before any exam begins, we'll bring you into a private room to talk through your child's oral hygiene, habits, and diet, and to hear any concerns you're bringing with you. This is where we start building a plan around your child specifically, not a one-size-fits-all routine.

Letting Your Child Take the Lead

We'll let your child choose their toothpaste flavor, toothbrush color, and a pair of sunglasses for the lights. It's a small choice, but it gives them some say in their own visit, which tends to matter more than it looks like it would.

Exam, X-Rays, and Cleaning

Depending on your child's age and what we're watching for, we may take digital X-rays. From there, our pediatric dentists and assistants complete a full exam and cleaning, answering any questions you or your child have along the way.

Why We Recommend Coming Back Every 6 Months

One visit tells us how your child's mouth looks today. Regular 6-month visits are what let us track how it's developing and catch anything worth addressing while it's still simple to handle. That's the thinking behind SmilePath™, and it starts here.

A child arriving at the front desk for a first visit

Feel amazing about your oral health

Here Since 1971

One of the Bay Area's longest-serving pediatric dental practices, with families now bringing in their own kids.

The Only Practice of Our Kind

The Bay Area's only office pairing on-site wisdom teeth extractions with orthodontics and a fully equipped sedation center, all under one roof.

Hospital Privileges

Credentialed at UCSF Benioff and Kaiser Oakland. When your child needs hospital-based care, you won't be handed off to someone new.

The APD Membership Plan

No insurance? Our plan covers cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays, plus 20% off other procedures. No deductibles or waiting periods.

A teenage patient smiling after her visit

We believe in compassion

That’s why we sit down when we talk to you. Look you in the eye. Never judge you.

Connect With Us

We'd Love to Meet Your Family

First visit for your baby or orthodontics for your teenager, we're ready. Request an appointment at any of our four Bay Area locations.

Locations