7700 Eldorado Parkway Suite 200 Mckinney, Tx 75072
Your Child’s First Visit Starts Here
Welcome to Just for Kids Dentistry, where we make dental care easy, gentle, and even fun for families across Mckinney and Collin County. We know that choosing a pediatric dentist is a big decision, and we are honored that you are considering us for your child's care. Whether this is your little one's very first dental visit or you are switching from another practice, our team is here to make the entire process simple and stress-free from the very first phone call.
As a pediatric-only office, everything we do is built around children, from our welcoming environment to the patient, gentle way Dr. Preece and our team work with kids of every age. We care for infants, growing children, and teenagers alike, meeting each child right where they are and helping them feel confident in the dental chair. Below you will find everything you need to know before your first appointment, including what to expect and simple ways to prepare your child at home.
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When Should My Child First See a Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child in for their first dental visit at one year old. An early first visit allows Dr. Preece to carefully examine how your child's mouth is developing, use preventive care to head off possible issues, and address common concerns such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritation, and prolonged thumb-sucking.
Starting early does more than protect little teeth. It helps your child build a positive, lifelong relationship with dental care from the very beginning.
What to Expect at the First Visit
Our goal is to help children feel comfortable from the moment they walk through our doors. Your child's first visit will most likely be a low-key ice-breaker, designed to help them get to know the dentist while getting a feel for what a cleaning and exam look like. It is relaxed by design.
Even so, a new experience can bring some apprehension, and that is completely normal. The good news is that a little preparation at home goes a long way.
Insurance & Financing
We believe getting your child the care they need should be simple. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to fit your family's budget. Visit our Insurance & Financing page to learn more about coverage, payment plans, and how we help make quality pediatric dental care accessible.
6 Easy Steps to Prepare Your Child
01
Practice
Play "dentist" at home. Make-believe is a wonderful way to prepare your child for their first visit. Put on gloves and a mask, tuck a paper towel bib into their collar, and hand them sunglasses to protect their eyes from the bright light. Use a flashlight to look inside, then count their teeth with the handle of a toothbrush while they watch in a hand mirror. When your child already knows what to expect, the real visit goes much more smoothly.
02
Watch and Listen
Build excitement with a dentist-themed movie or story. Titles like A Trip to the Dentist Through Pinatta's View or Freddie Visits the Dentist by Nicola Smee are great places to start. Your local librarian can help you find other age-appropriate books and videos to enjoy together on a cozy day at home.
03
Assist
Encourage your child to brush after breakfast and before bed, and make it fun. Let them pick out a special toothbrush and experiment with reward systems to find what motivates them. Try a prize bin after each successful brushing, or a sticker chart that builds toward a bigger reward. Look for every chance to give positive feedback and reinforce good habits.
04
Initiate
Keep the conversation about the dentist positive and upbeat. Answer your child's questions honestly, and avoid words like "hurt" or "pain." If you feel any anxiety about dental visits yourself, do your best not to let your child sense it. Emphasize how important healthy teeth are and why regular visits matter.
05
Provide
On the day of the visit, allow plenty of time so your child can arrive and greet our friendly team in a relaxed, unhurried way. Even the best preparation cannot undo the stress of a last-minute rush. Never use a dental visit as a threat or punishment, and there is no need to bribe your child to go.
06
Stay Close, Then Step Back
You are welcome to stay with your child during the initial examination. On later visits, we often find we build better rapport when parents wait in the reception area, which helps us earn your child's confidence and ease any lingering apprehension. For the safety and privacy of all patients, siblings who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.
