Your child's first visit to EverGrins
A first dental visit with Dr. Pham includes a gentle exam, cleaning and a smile report card. A first orthodontic visit with Dr. Finkleman is a free exam. Here's what to expect, which forms to bring and how to help your child feel ready.
The first dental visit
Your child will have a thorough exam with Dr. Pham, who will go over the results with you on our smile report card and share recommendations for caring for your child's teeth at home.
Topics often include oral health, how teeth come in, brushing and flossing, healthy snacks and fluoride. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit within six months of the first baby tooth, and no later than the first birthday. Starting early builds healthy habits for life.
The first orthodontic visit
The first orthodontic visit is a free exam, ideally by age 7. It's never too late for an EverGrins smile, but seeing a child while they're still growing lets Dr. Finkleman guide jaw growth and tooth position in the least invasive way.
She'll check for crowding, crossbites, gaps and other problems. Then we'll sit down with you to explain what treatment is needed, how long it will take and an estimate of the cost, so you can decide whether to move forward.
Get a jump on paperwork
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so we can review your information together. To save time, fill out these forms at home and bring them along.
Using insurance? We'll check your benefits before the first visit. See insurance details.
Tips to keep your little one grinning
A few small things at home make a big difference on visit day.
- Tell your child about the visit, and let them know the dentist and team will explain everything and answer questions. Keep it low-key.
- If you feel nervous about the dentist, try not to show it. Kids pick up on our feelings and form their own expectations.
- Skip scary words like needle, pull, drill or hurt. Our team uses kid-friendly words that mean the same thing.
- Use positive words about the visit so your child links the trip with good feelings.
- Read books about going to the dentist, or play dentist at home.
- Role-play opening wide and counting teeth so your child gets comfortable with it.
- Stay relaxed and upbeat. A calm parent helps more than anything.
- Tell them there will be laughing and toys, and we'll make their teeth sparkle like a superhero's.
- Don't offer a bribe for going. It can suggest the dentist is something to dread.
First visit questions
Still wondering about something? Call 425-255-6008 or email hello@evergrins.com.
How early should we arrive for the first visit?
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so the team can review your information before the appointment. Filling out the new patient and financial forms at home ahead of time makes check-in even faster.
What happens at my child's first dental visit?
Dr. Pham does a thorough exam and cleaning, reviews the results with you on a smile report card, and talks through brushing and flossing, teething and tooth eruption, healthy snacks and fluoride.
When should my child have their first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit within six months of the first baby tooth and no later than the first birthday.
What happens at the first orthodontic visit?
Dr. Finkleman examines your child's teeth and bite for crowding, crossbites, gaps and other problems, then explains what treatment is needed, how long it will take and what it will cost. The first orthodontic visit is a free exam.
What forms do I need to fill out?
New patients need the consent form, the health history form and the financial information form. Current patients should update the health history form. All are fillable PDFs on this page.
Schedule your first visit
New patients are always welcome at the house on the hill. Call us Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, and we'll find a time that works for your family.