Children's First Time in Dentistry

OUR ADDITIONAL PEDIATRIC TRAINING

After graduating from dental school, our pediatric dentists in Indianapolis and West Lafayette went through two additional years of training specifically focused on the nuances of working with children, teens, and those with special needs. Whether this is your infant child’s first dental visit or they are old enough to think about college, rest assured we know what they need to have the best possible smile.

OUR KID-FOCUSED TEAM

Time after time, our patients tell us that our AMAZING TEAM is what sets us apart. Combining our Indianapolis and West Lafayette locations our pediatric dentists and dental specialists have over 300 years of experience! Every one of our team members have been hand picked and are equipped with a unique ability to make your child feel comfortable. They take great care to ensure each appointment is a special one. Whether it be during check-in or for a complex procedure, our pediatric dental team’s #1 priority is to make a significant impact on the lives of our patients. It is these deeper relationships that differentiate our office and why our amazing team is second to none.

OUR SPECIALIZED OFFICES

A traditional dental office environment can overwhelm even the bravest kids (and even adults). Our pediatric dental offices in Indianapolis and West Lafayette cater to your child and we have put significant effort into creating a comfortable environment. From the bright colors and playful imagery to our basketball room and train station, our goal is to put your child (and you) at ease. We know that visiting a pediatric dentist can be stressful, but it is our goal to make the experience an enjoyable one!

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RUDY'S RAILROAD STEP-BY-STEP OFFICE VISIT VISUAL

We have created several fun and interactive tools to help prepare your child for their first visit. Check out Rudy’s Railroad to provide a step by step visual of their upcoming visit!

Rudy's Railroad

PARENTS WELCOME!

There is no one more familiar to YOUR child than YOU, which is why we encourage you to accompany them during their visit. Your presence with them is paramount in helping them feel at ease and we will do our best to interact with both of you so they feel like we are all in this together.

Positive Reinforcement

Either with a big smile, verbal praise or a high five, our pediatric dentists and dental specialists are firm believers in guiding children to appropriate behaviors. Highlighting good behavior and celebrating even the smallest successes are vital to future success at the dentist.

Providing Options

Our kid’s dentist offices in Indianapolis and West Lafayette pride themselves in making your child (and you) feel comfortable. From picking out their favorite toothbrush to deciding whether to sit in the chair or your lap for their appointment, we always adapt to what makes your child most at ease. Allowing your child the opportunity to make simple decisions lets them have some control and ultimately decreases their anxiety.

Modeling

Some pediatric dental patients feel more comfortable by watching others do the same procedure that they are about to experience. Older children or siblings sometimes serve as a great example for younger patients to watch and realize how easy a procedure may be. Sometimes our pediatric dentists will even go so far as to give their little baby doll or favorite stuffed animal a check-up!

Tell-Show-Do

Our pediatric dentists most common technique is to explain in simple words exactly what they are going to do, show them through modeling, then perform the procedure as described. We have found this to be very comforting for most children and adults.

Voice Control

All of our our pediatric dentists and dental specialists take extra care to maintain a quiet, calm and precise tone of voice. We have found this to be extremely helpful no matter how anxious the child, and sometimes the parent becomes. Maintaining voice control that is steady and language that is calming and soothing does wonders in nearly every situation.

Can you imagine your child…excited to go to the dentist? That is our goal! Your child’s first trip to the dentist is very important. Our hope is to promote a positive foundation that will lead to many subsequent, successful visits.

  • During your first visit:
    • We will provide information and help you develop a personalized plan to hopefully eliminate potentially harmful and unhealthy habits.
    • We will spend ample time helping your child feel very comfortable. We realize the sights and sounds of a dental office can be intimidating, but our special techniques paired with our team’s approach can lead to a great experience for them and for you.
    • We will thoroughly assess your child’s medical history, current oral habits, at-home oral care, and cavity risk status. We will also provide you with advice on fun and effective brushing practices that are age appropriate.
    • We will have your child’s teeth professionally cleaned by a licensed hygienist and thoroughly examined by one of our specially trained doctors. Dental x-rays are typically taken around the age of four, however they may be indicated at a younger age.
Dental Care for your new baby

Dental Care for your new baby

The American Academy of Pediatrics as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourage parents to establish a dental home by age ONE. Visiting the dentist at an early age is equally important to the well-baby visits with your pediatrician. This dental ‘well-baby check’ not only gives you a place for comprehensive oral care and treatment of dental emergencies, but it also encourages the formation of a relationship between you, your child and our team.