Just like the first step or the first word, a child’s first trip to the dentist is a meaningful milestone in their growing journey. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental appointment by their first birthday — or within six months of their first tooth appearing.
At Lansdowne Pediatric Dentistry, we turn this visit into a delightful introduction to oral health. With a gentle touch, colorful surroundings, and a team that speaks the language of kids, we make sure those tiny teeth and curious minds get the warmest possible welcome. Starting on a positive note sets the stage for a lifelong, friendly relationship with dental care.
From the moment you walk in, you and your child are greeted by our friendly staff and guided to a treatment area chosen to fit your child’s age and comfort level.
We have a cozy infant room equipped with toys and sensory tools — a calm, comforting space for our littlest patients. It’s where we see babies and our youngest patients, and where we do frenectomy consultations.
Many of our toddlers and older children are seen in our open-bay treatment area, where kids are cared for side by side. This builds a sense of community and reinforces positive behavior — seeing other children do well at the dentist helps your child feel calm and confident.
Prefer a quieter setting? We also offer closed, private treatment rooms. Whether your child does better with fewer distractions or you’d simply like more privacy, just let us know when scheduling and we’ll happily accommodate it.
We explain everything in kid-friendly language, and the exam itself is very gentle. Dr. Sheyda will count your child’s teeth, check how everything is growing, look at the gums, and evaluate bite, spacing, and overall oral development.
For many little ones, the first visit is more of a “ride along” experience — a chance to get comfortable in the chair, meet the team, and see that the dentist is a friendly place. We want your child to leave feeling successful and proud, even if we don’t complete every step that day. Building trust comes first.
During this important first visit, patient and parent education take center stage — focusing on oral hygiene, habits like thumb-sucking, and nutrition. Some children feel ready for a full exam and cleaning; others need more time to build trust. We prioritize comfort and never force treatment, customizing our care to each child’s unique needs.
A little preparation at home goes a long way, but it’s best to avoid procedural details that can create unnecessary anxiety. Trust our specialized team to use kid-friendly terminology that guides your child calmly through each step. We intentionally avoid words like “shot,” “needle,” or “pulling teeth” to keep the experience positive and stress-free.
When needed, we use low-dose digital radiography to detect cavities and potential issues early, allowing for the most comfortable, minimally invasive care. We personalize our approach to your child’s individual cavity risk, which guides how often we recommend follow-up visits — so ongoing care stays as friendly as their smiles.
You’re always welcome to stay with your child during treatment. Having a parent close fosters a positive experience that resonates well into adulthood. Our commitment is simple: safe, effective, gentle care, so your child leaves with a smile and a positive outlook on the dentist.
A little preparation goes a long way toward a happy first visit:
After you schedule, we’ll send your child’s medical and dental history forms straight to your MyChart account— everything is digital, so there’s no clipboard waiting for you at the office. We highly recommend completing them at home, where you have time to be thorough and your child is comfortable. Filling them out ahead also lets our team review everything before your appointment, so we already know your child and any accommodations they need before you even walk in.
By age one, or within six months of their first tooth coming in — whichever comes first. Early visits help us catch issues early and get your child comfortable with dental care from the start.
No. The first visit is gentle and pressure-free. It’s mostly about getting to know your child, a careful look at their teeth and gums, and helping them feel at ease. We move at your child’s pace and never force treatment.
Most first visits take about 45 minutes, including time for the exam and any questions you have for Dr. Sheyda.
Yes — parents are always welcome to stay close so your child feels secure, during the first visit and beyond.
We have plenty of experience helping anxious children and children with special needs feel comfortable. If you let us know during scheduling that your child has special needs, Dr. Sheyda personally follows up by email to ask about any accommodations that would help, so our team is fully prepared before your appointment.
Yes — we accept all PPO insurance plans and are in-network with many Whether or not we participate with your specific plan, we’re happy to file your claims for you. And if you share your insurance information ahead of time, we’ll request a full breakdown of your benefits directly from your provider, so there are no surprises about coverage or cost. Visit our Dental Insurance page for the latest details, or call us at 571-210-2771.
