The first visit
Here is exactly what happens — in Dr. Lauren’s own words — so nobody walks in guessing.
What happens, step by step
We start with your child’s story
We review your child’s medical and dental history, talk through any concerns you have, and learn about brushing habits, diet, fluoride exposure, and the state of their oral health.
A careful look at everything
Dr. Lauren carefully examines teeth, gums, jaws, and bite — healthy growth and development, early signs of tooth decay, gum health, bite and jaw alignment, oral habits such as thumb sucking or pacifier use, and how baby or permanent teeth are coming in.
Low-dose x-rays
Digital x-rays minimizing radiation exposure may be prescribed depending on your child’s age, dental development, and risk for cavities.
Count, clean, protect
Many first visits include a gentle cleaning to remove plaque and polish the teeth. If recommended, fluoride varnish is applied to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities.
You leave knowing the plan
First visits are a great opportunity to review proper brushing and flossing techniques, nutrition, fluoride preferences, growth and development, oral habits, and injury prevention — together, before you go.
If you choose, we welcome you to stay with your child the whole time — any age, any appointment; for babies we do a knee-to-knee exam in your lap. And some children sail through it while some don’t — that’s completely normal.
Common questions
Why do I need to fix teeth that my child is just going to lose?
Sometimes you don’t — it depends on the tooth, your child’s age, and how long that tooth still has a job to do. Baby teeth hold the space adult teeth need, and decay left alone can cause pain or spread well before that tooth was ever going to fall out. We’ll tell you plainly which situation you’re dealing with, including when the right answer is to watch it.
What can I do to try and keep my child from continuing to grow cavities?
Day to day, the habits matter most: brushing technique (we show you and your child, not just tell you), flossing once teeth touch, and what — and how often — they snack and drink. At each visit we tailor the rest to your child: the right fluoride for their age and risk, and fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel when it’s recommended.
Does my insurance cover this?
We’re finalizing our plan participation ahead of opening. Join the waitlist and we’ll confirm your specific plan directly with you before your first visit — no guessing at the front desk.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends taking your child to their first dental appointment and establishing a dental home by the age of one or shortly after the first tooth erupts — whichever comes first. It feels early. It is the visit that prevents the most problems later.
What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist?
Two to three additional years of residency, spent entirely on children — including behavior guidance, growth and development, and treating kids with special healthcare needs. Board certification is a further step beyond that.
Can I stay in the room with my child?
Yes. Always, at any age, for any appointment. For babies we do a knee-to-knee exam, which means your child stays in your lap the entire time.
My child is terrified of the dentist. Can you help?
Nervous children are normal — roughly one in three young kids feels anxious about the dentist, and it’s most common in children who have never been. We plan for it: shorter first visits and nothing done without explaining it first.
Knocked-out tooth? Call now.
If it’s an adult tooth, minutes matter. Pick it up by the crown — never the root — rinse it gently in milk, and call us on the way. Don’t reimplant a baby tooth.
Now forming
Be first on the list when the books open.
We open in Santa Rosa Beach in February 2027, and we’re building our first patient list now. Join the waitlist and you’ll hear from us before appointments go public.
- First choice of appointment times when scheduling opens
- A real phone call from our office, not an automated blast
- Insurance checked and confirmed before your first visit
- No cost, no obligation, and you can leave the list any time