At Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic, we want your child’s first dental experience to be a positive one. Our Hygienist’s intuitive nature, guides how much is accomplished in this first visit. We call this first visit the “happy visit”, this appointment is to gain your child’s confidence and trust. Each child is truly unique, we will carry out different hygiene treatments with each child depending on how comfortable your child is. Treatment is never forced, as finishing everything is not the goal. The goal of the “Happy Visit” is to keep your child happy throughout this experience and share information with parents or guardians on how best to take care of teeth at this age. We encourage parents to stay in the room, or if you feel your child will do best without you, that is your choice. You know your child best.
What happens at a Happy Visit?
First, we want to show your child the chair they will be sitting in, how is goes up and down, back and forward. We will show your child the gadgets connected to the chair such as the air/water syringe and the suction (aka Mr. Thirsty). It is very important for your child to see that the tools that we will use are simply to count your child’s teeth, which always proves to be a lot of fun. Next we will apply the disclosing solution, this is our plaque finder. Once this purple odorless and tasteless liquid is painted on the teeth, we can together, with a mirror in hand, evaluate where the plaque bacteria is “hiding”. After this is done, we have an opportunity to show both child and parent/s the proper brush technique and how to eliminate more of the plaque bacteria in the future. Polishing may come next which further eliminates plaque on the teeth and always makes for a few giggles. Our polisher is a cordless version which has proven very helpful for those children not interested in sitting the chair- and prefer sitting on Mom or Dad`s lap. It looks like an electric toothbrush which children are able to relate to. If age appropriate, and deemed necessary, fluoride (aka, tooth vitamin) can then be painted on, put into trays, or applied in the form of a mouth rinse. Lastly of course, the best part of the appointment, that well-earned prize, and picking out a new toothbrush!
It is important for children to be seen by a Registered Dental Hygienist at an early age, to promote a less harmful population of oral bacteria and prevent tooth decay, and connect your family with other required dental or healthcare professionals, such as dentists, pediatric dentists,general physicians, and more. Today there are many dental hygiene treatments available to ensure a lifetime of “no cavities”. This is what we want for each child. At Lifetime Smiles Dental Hygiene Clinic we believe that cost of preventative treatment should not be a barrier to the beginning of healthy teeth and habits for children – if cost is an issue ask us about options in Calgary. There are plans that assist with dental cleanings for children, and if these do not apply we see children under age 3 for their first “Happy Visit” at no cost. Truly a “Happy Visit”
Call us (403)457-2044 to discuss your child`s first dental cleaning
It’s really a great post from your side. You are teaching a child with what you do and making them to have fun and lose their fear. This gives parents a comfort and a safe feeling about their child.
I like all the attention and ease you provide to children on there visit! I think you would have some pretty happy children raving about you! Good to know that there is plans available for children and the free first visit under 3 perk.
You are in the perfect profession. You really understand how to make everyone – young and old – actually ENJOY getting their teeth cleaned! Is it ok if the adults call it Mr. Thirsty, too? So cute.
Love “Mr. Thirsty”! I took my son for his own “special” dental visit before he had an actual cleaning and he loved the experience because of the things you suggest in your article. (Great advice, Sally!) He is 4 and has already had two full cleanings (maybe three I can’t remember) and is a joy for the staff. They have complimented him about being better and easier to work with than many adults! Thanks for sharing your tips – this is gold for any new parent.
Amazing services! Our kids have always come along with us as we were getting cleanings and then they’d have their teeth looked at. I’ve never been scared of the dentist and it would make me sad if my kids were. Thanks for offering such great programs for kids.
It is so critical to take the time to understand each child when it comes to dental care. My kids has terrible experiences their first time at the dentist, but happily, they now enjoy going to the dentist. My eldest is fascinated with his x-rays; my youngest loves seeing his teeth change colors. It’s nice to see you really understand how to work with children.
I love this photo and that you will work with the children to make a positive, happy experience! When I was growing up in Rural Saskatchewan, we’d be called down during school to the dental room where we’d stand in a lineup and watch other children have horrible experiences.. all it created was built up anxiety counting the moments until you’d be the one in the chair – to this day I have anxiety in a dental office.
My son on the other hand, was introduced to his “happy visit” and loves going, his teeth always “feel so fresh and smooth” after a cleaning and hasn’t had cavities in over 8 years! I love the service Lifetime Smiles provides children – Happy Visits make Happy Kids!
I am so glad dental care has worked so hard to help ease the anxiety so many people have in going! Especially important for your first visit! You might be surprised how many more children would choose “I want to be a dentist” after growing up enjoying the experience!! Great work.
That’s great that you make the kids feel so comfortable in the office! I know we’ve come home from a hygiene appt with our daughter and she’s turned into a flossing fanatic, which is in itself amazing!
Thats great news, children today can certainly look forward to a life of “no dental cavities” with the right habits, hope she continues her flossing:)