We’re So Glad You’re Considering Us.
First dental visits set the tone for a lifetime of oral health. At Dental Care Kids, every new patient appointment is designed to be warm, unhurried, and genuinely enjoyable for your child — the opposite of the stereotypical “scary dentist” experience. Whether you’re bringing in your first toddler, switching from another practice, or scheduling a same-day emergency, we’ll make you and your child feel right at home.
"They made my toddler's first visit so easy! Playful, patient, and highly skilled team."Stamford Parent — Verified Patient
What to Bring to Your First Visit
For your child’s first appointment, please bring:
We’ll confirm insurance benefits ahead of time and have paperwork ready for you to sign at the front desk.
When Should My Child Have Their First Visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age 1 — or within six months of the first tooth erupting, whichever comes first.
That may sound early, but it’s the right time: early visits catch small issues early, build positive associations with the dentist, and give parents a chance to ask all the questions that come up with a new baby.
Children age 2 and up are due for cleanings and exams every 6 months. If your child hasn’t been seen in a while, or if you’re new to the area, we’d love to welcome you.
What Your Child’s First Visit Will Feel Like
We’ve designed every moment of a new-patient appointment around helping your child feel safe.
A warm greeting from our front-desk team — usually with balloons, stickers, or a favorite character to break the ice
A chair tour — we show your child the “spaceship” (the dental chair), let them ride it up and down, and try on the sunglasses
An introduction to every instrument — using our “show, tell, do” method, we demonstrate each tool in age-appropriate language before using it
A gentle exam and cleaning — tailored to your child’s age and comfort level
A conversation with the dentist — reviewing findings with the parent and giving practical guidance for home care
A prize, balloon, and big celebration on the way out
Parents are always welcome to sit with younger children during the appointment. For older children (typically age 6+), we often recommend letting the child come back solo while you wait in our parent-friendly lounge — kids build confidence when they know they can do this on their own. We’ll always follow your lead.
If Your Child is Nervous
Dental anxiety is normal — and completely manageable. Some children come in excited. Others are nervous, especially if they’ve had a difficult experience at a different office. Either way, we’ve got you covered.
Patience and behavior guidance
every doctor and hygienist on our team is trained in age-appropriate techniques to build trust with anxious patients
Sedation options
for children who need more help relaxing, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia
Staged appointments
for very nervous first-time patients, we can start with a “happy visit” — just a tour and a chair ride, no treatment — to build comfort before any clinical work begins
Special needs care
adaptive approaches for children with autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, or medical complexity
💡 If you know your child will need extra support, tell us when you book. We’ll plan around it.
Our Hours and Scheduling
We know how hard it is to coordinate appointments around school, work, and after-school activities. That’s why we offer:
- ✓ Evening appointments Tuesday through Thursday (until 6–7 pm)
- ✓ Saturday hours (8 am – 3 pm)
- ✓ Same-day emergency appointments
- ✓ Family scheduling — book siblings back-to-back, or coordinate with a parent’s appointment at Dental Care of Stamford, a separate office one floor up
Office Hours
Preparing Your Child for the Visit
A few simple things help set kids up for a great first visit:
Keep it positive
avoid words like “hurt,” “shot,” or “drill” in conversation leading up to the appointment
Read a picture book
about visiting the dentist (our favorites: “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” and “Dentist Trip” by Peppa Pig)
Role-play
with a toothbrush and a stuffed animal
Schedule for the morning
if possible — rested kids do best
You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.
Ways to Book
Call
(203) 324-6171 — fastest for same-day or urgent appointments
Request Online
Request an appointment online — we’ll confirm within one business day
Email frontdesk@dentalcarekids.com
Get Started
Give Your Child a Smile They’ll Love
At Dental Care Kids, every visit is built around your child’s comfort, curiosity, and confidence. Our board-certified pediatric specialists and kid-loving team make dental care something families actually look forward to.
Contact & Location
Call (203) 324-6171 to schedule your child’s visit, or reach us at frontdesk@dentalcarekids.com.
1500 Summer St., 2nd Floor, Stamford, CT We serve families across Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, and nearby Westchester County, NY.
Evening and Saturday appointments available