The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends establishing a dental home for your child by their first birthday. Early visits help set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health and make future appointments feel familiar rather than stressful.
At Montclair Pediatric Dentistry, we see first visits as an introduction, not just an exam. Our goal is simple: make sure your child leaves feeling comfortable and confident about coming back.
The way you talk about the visit at home matters. Keep it simple and positive. Let your child know they’re going to meet a friendly doctor who counts teeth and helps keep them healthy. Avoid words like “hurt,” “needle,” or “drill,” and try not to project any anxiety you might have yourself.
If your child asks questions, answer them honestly but briefly. “The dentist will look at your teeth and make sure they’re strong” is plenty. The less buildup, the better.
To make check-in as smooth as possible, please bring the following:
Please complete online documents on our Patient Portal
If you need help with insurance verification beforehand, email us at [email protected] with a phot o of your insurance card and the date of birth of both the responsible party and your child.
Your child will be introduced to our dental team before anything else. We take time to show children the instruments we use, including our small mouth mirror and tooth counter, so nothing feels unfamiliar when the exam begins.
Our dentist will gently examine your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth. For younger children, we often use a “lap exam,” where your child sits in your lap facing you and leans back toward the dentist. It keeps the exam quick and comfortable while keeping your child close to you.
Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, a professional teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment may be completed during the first visit.
X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary and are not routine for every first visit. When needed, they help identify decay between teeth and assess how permanent teeth are developing. We follow AAPD guidelines on X-ray frequency.
We conduct a developmental assessment at every visit. If any orthodontic concerns are identified, we provide referrals to trusted local specialists.
If additional treatment is recommended, such as a filling, we will schedule a separate appointment. We never rush a first visit.
We see children from Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Alameda, Orinda, and across the East Bay. Our Montclair Village office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with selective Saturdays available throughout the year.
The AAPD recommends a child’s first visit by age one, or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first.
Yes. Parents and guardians are welcome to stay with their child during the exam, especially for younger children.
Most first visits take between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on your child’s age and what is completed during the appointment.
It happens more often than you think. Our team is trained in pediatric behavior guidance and will never force a child through a procedure. If needed, we will stop and reschedule to give your child more time.
Let’s trade in those extra sweets for cash — and protect growing smiles and the planet!
Bring in your leftover candy and your child will earn $1 per pound (up to 5 lbs)!
