We follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, which recommends a child’s first dental visit be scheduled when the first tooth comes in and no later than a child’s first birthday. NOVA Children’s Dentistry specializes in infant oral health exams and parent education.
First Visit
Please complete our new patient packet and bring it to your first appointment.
At the initial visit, our doctors and staff will spend quality time getting to know you and your child.
By explaining procedures and demonstrating the equipment in fun and imaginative ways, children learn to be comfortable with our office. Parents are welcome to accompany children into the treatment area for the first visit, which begins with a complete review of your child’s medical and dental history.
We examine your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums, and evaluate any adverse habits, such as thumb-sucking. Dental x-rays are only taken if necessary, followed by oral hygiene instruction, a cleaning, and fluoride varnish application. If your child is reluctant for the dental cleaning or x-rays, we may recommend postponing that portion of the procedure for a later time, unless there is an urgent need or concern. At the conclusion of the comprehensive examination, any dental findings and treatment will be discussed.
Dental Care for Infants and Toddlers
Birth to Six Months
- Clean mouth with gauze after feedings and at bedtime, clean the tongue with wet gauze
- Ask your Pediatrician or Pediatric Dentist about Flouride supplements if you consume well water
- Regulate feeding habits
Six to Twelve Months
- First, tooth should appear; time to schedule an initial exam with our doctors
- Begin to brush your child’s teeth after each feeding
- When baby begins to walk, be alert to dental injuries
- Wean an infant from the breast or bottle by the first birthday
Twelve to Twenty-Four Months
- Follow schedule of exams and cleanings recommended by our doctors
- Start using pea-size portions of fluoridated toothpaste when your child is able to rinse and expectorate. Ask us which toothpaste we recommend for your child
- Most Primary (Baby) teeth should have erupted by age two
What Should I Tell My Child About Their First Dental Visit?
Prepare your child for their first dental experience, in the same manner, you would prepare them for their first day of school. Be positive, supportive and encouraging. Have fun reading books about dentistry with your child and encourage play behaviors that mimic a dental visit with your child being the dentist and you the patients.
Let them know the dentist and assistant will help keep their teeth healthy and how they care about children – use our “gentle dental terminology”
- Count Teeth = Examination
- Tooth Counter = Dental Explorer Instrument
- Pictures of Teeth = X-Rays
- Tooth Vitamins = Flouride
- Tooth Paint = Sealants
- Tooth Polish = Prophylaxis with a rotary toothbrush
Financing
At NOVA Children’s Dentistry, we understand that parents have different financial situations, and to that end, our Northern Virginia pediatric dental offices provide several flexible payment options to ensure you can afford the dental care your child requires. For your convenience, we offer flexible payment and dental financing choices.
- ACCESS
- AETNA
- AMERITAS
- ANTHEM
- ASSURANT
- CAREINGTON
- CARE FIRST BCBS
- CIGNA
- DELTA DENTAL
- DENTAL SAVE
- DENTA QUEST
- DENTEMAX
- DOMINION DENTAL
- DHA
- GEHA
- GROUP DENTAL
- GUARDIAN
- HUMANA
- VIRGINIA SMILES FOR CHILDREN
- METLIFE
- PRINCIPAL
- PRUDENTIAL
- UNITED CONCORDIA
- UNITED HEALTH CARE
Payment Options
In addition to cash and check payment, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, as well as Flex Spending debit cards.
Financing Options
It’s easy to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with CareCredit flexible payment plans ranging from 18 to 60 months which includes a minimal finance charge.
- Payment Options To Fit Within Your Budget
- No Application Fee Or Initial Payment
- Fast, Easy And Confidential
For any questions regarding our flexible payment or financing options or to schedule an appointment, please contact us via email, or call 703.858.1550
