Greater Owensboro Pediatric Dentistry

Blake Dickens, DMD and Carol Braun, DDS

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(270) 683-7114

General and Aesthetic Dentistry

3817 Fairview Drive, Owensboro, KY 42303

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Greater Owensboro Pediatric Dentistry > Our Services > Your Child's First Visit

Your child's first visit will set the foundation of good oral health.

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Your Child's First Visit

Your Child’s First Visit

At your child’s first visit, we will help familiarize them with our dental office so they feel completely comfortable. We will show them their teeth in the mirror, take them for a ride in the chair, and brush their teeth. That way, when it is time for their dental cleanings and other regular care to start, everything is familiar.

Preventive Care

We believe all great dental health begins with an excellent preventive routine. That is why we work with parents to create a successful home care regimen including brushing and flossing, avoiding sugary treats, and eating a good diet to promote healthy teeth and gums.

We complement excellent home care with routine examinations and cleaning appointments. If necessary, we can also offer additional preventive treatments such as fluoride and sealants to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child have their first dental visit?

Both your pediatric specialist and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) state that your child's dental visit should be at one year of age, or at least six months after the first tooth comes in. There are many reasons to start dental care early on such as:

It allows your pediatric dentist to begin monitoring your son or daughter's oral health and development so they can detect any concerns at an early stage.
It helps your child acclimate to visiting the dentist and to understand that it's a safe and welcoming place.
This is an excellent time to ask questions about your son or daughter's oral development so you can make the most of your routine at home.

You can prepare your child for his or her dental visits by talking about it beforehand in a positive way. Reading books or stories to them about visiting the dentist can also be helpful in preparing them for what's going to happen during their appointment. You might also consider bringing your child along with you to your cleaning and checkup so they can see what visiting the dentist is like.

We are happy to help! Contact our office for more information on preparing your son or daughter for their first dental visit.

My child is scared to visit the dentist. What can I do?

Many people feel fearful about visiting the dentist, and your child is not alone. Many adults who suffer from dental anxiety report that it's from a bad experience they had at the dentist as a child.

There are a few things you can do to help prepare your child for their dental visits:

Talk about the dentist in a positive way. Even if you have dental anxiety, be careful not to project your fear onto your child.
Read stories or color pictures about the dentist, and even role-play visiting the dentist with their stuffed animals or toys.
Consider bringing your son or daughter with you to the dentist when you have your next appointment. This allows them to see what it's like at the dental office.

You can also speak with your pediatric dentist about solutions they offer for relieving dental anxiety at their practice. There are options for sedation dentistry such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that can help your child feel at ease during most types of procedures. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your pediatric dentist before your child arrives for their appointment so you can have an effective plan in place to create a positive experience.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Blake Dickens DMD
Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Dickens completed his undergraduate and dental training at the University of Kentucky. He graduated from his Pediatric Dental residency program at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in 2019—the same year he joined our practice.

At Greater Owensboro Pediatric Dentistry, he continues the legacy of exceptional pediatric dental care for the Greater Owensboro population that Dr. Carol Braun has created over the years, who has since retired.

Dr. Dickens is passionate about bringing a smile to every child's face as they walk through our doors, and he is dedicated to setting up ...