New Patients

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Welcome to Your Child’s Dental Home

We’re so glad you’re here. Choosing a pediatric dentist is an important decision, and we want your family’s first experience with Redwood Pediatric Dentistry to feel simple, warm, and reassuring.

Whether your child is coming in for their very first dental visit, you’re looking for a new dental home, or you have concerns about your child’s smile, we’re here to help.

Why It Matters

What Makes the First Visit Special

Your child’s first visit is about more than checking teeth. It’s about building trust.

We take time to get to know your child, understand your family’s goals, review health history, and gently introduce your child to the dental environment. We move at a pace that supports comfort and confidence.

When to Start

The most common question? "When?"

The most common question we have regarding children is about what age they should start going to the dentist.

We follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry on when a child should first see a dentist. You should bring your child to see us when the first tooth comes through the gums or no later than their first birthday.

AAPD-Aligned Guidelines

We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendations.

— Milestone One —

First Tooth

When the first tooth comes through the gums.

— or —

— Milestone Two —

First Birthday

No later than your child’s first birthday.

What to Expect

Your child's first visit, step by step

During your first visit, here’s what we may walk through together — at your child’s pace, never rushed.

A warm welcome

We welcome your child to the office and help them get comfortable.

History review

Review medical and dental history together.

A gentle exam

Complete a gentle, kid-friendly dental exam.

Photos or X-rays

Take photos or X-rays only if needed.

Cleaning, if ready

Clean your child’s teeth when appropriate.

Home care talk

Discuss brushing, flossing, diet, habits, growth, and cavity prevention.

Q&A and next steps

Answer your questions and talk through next steps.

At your child's pace

Every appointment is personalized. We focus on comfort and connection over checking every box.

For some children, we complete a full visit. For others, we focus on comfort, connection, and helping them feel ready for next time.

Before Your Appointment

A short list to help your visit go smoothly

To help your visit go smoothly, please complete any new patient forms before your appointment when possible. Bring a list of medications or health concerns and any questions you’d like to discuss.

If your child has had previous dental X-rays, you may ask their prior office to send them to us.

Checklist Before Appointment

New patient forms

Complete new patient forms within 72 hours of receiving the new patient portal link.

Your questions

Any questions you'd like to discuss with our team.

Previous X-rays ( If applicable )

If your child has had previous dental X-rays, you may ask their prior office to send them to us.

Preparing at Home

Set the tone before you arrive

Going to the dentist should be positive, and creating a memorable experience begins at home.

— Start a Conversation —

Talk about the visit ahead of time

Start by discussing the upcoming visit with your child to ease their mind. Make sure to let them know the dentist and team will explain each procedure and answer your child’s questions.

— Choose Words Carefully —

Skip words that might worry them

When discussing the dentist with your child, avoid using phrases that could create negative feelings such as needle, shot or drill. Our dental team uses words that have similar meanings, but are positive and won’t worry your child.

Dr. Franklin practices ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) which minimizes radiation exposure by taking only needed diagnostic X-rays based on each child’s caries risk. We are committed to using the most accurate digital imaging equipment requiring the lowest ionizing radiation exposure.

Please be aware that during the first appointment, treatment such as fillings or extractions will NOT be done. We use the first visit to get to know your child and for them to get to know us. We will assess your child’s oral health, behavior, and needs. Together, we will determine the best approach and next steps for your child. We welcome parents back with their child.

A note for nervous parents

If you're feeling unsure, please tell us

If your child has had a difficult dental experience before, or if you’re worried about how they’ll do, please let us know. We are here to help without judgment.

We’ll work with your family to create a gentle, supportive plan.