Can I stay in the room?
Yes. Parents are welcome back for every visit, at every age, the whole time. Every treatment room has a parent chair beside the dental chair. Teens 13 and up can choose to go back on their own, and we bring you in for the conversation at the end.
Before you come in
Book a free 15-minute “meet the chair” stop any weekday from 3:00 to 4:00pm. Your child can ride the chair up and down and meet Finn, the fish puppet who always gets his teeth counted first. After you book, we email Finn’s First Checkup, an eight-page photo story of our real rooms. Read it together two or three nights before the visit.
Words that help at home
Try “the dentist will count your teeth,” “the tooth tickler,” and “the tooth camera.” Please skip words like hurt, shot, needle, drill, and “be brave.” Do not promise that it will not hurt or offer a prize in advance. We have that covered.
What happens in about 45 minutes
- Forms are completed online before you arrive, then your child can settle into the fish tank and play corner.
- For children under 3, we count teeth knee-to-knee on your lap. Older children use the big chair.
- Your child chooses a polish flavor for their cleaning. X-rays are only taken if they are needed, and most children under 4 do not need them.
- The dentist talks with you, not over your child. Then it is time for a new toothbrush and a prize from the treasure tower.
If it isn’t going well
We stop. We never hold a child down for a checkup. We will rebook in two weeks and try again with what we learned.
First-visit cost
The self-pay first visit is $145, including the exam, cleaning, fluoride, and x-rays if needed. We also file with most PPO dental plans and accept Louisiana Medicaid for children.