Destin's trip to the Dentist

As an avid reader of many local and national parenting magazines I read that February was Dental Health month...and we also had received a brochure for a local pediatric dentist specializing, of course in dentistry for younger children. It said that if you brought your little one before the age of 2 it would be free! Woo hoo! So, I went ahead, did some research and set up an appointment for a trip to the dentist.

We went to a place called Spencer & Spencer, located in Lee's Summit. http://www.spencerdental.com/

They were so incredibly nice and very kid-friendly. Before going to their office, I filled out all the forms online - so when I got there all I had to do was sign & give them a copy of my insurance. Also, there is a portion of the forms that asks what your child enjoys (Destin loves Elmo, Dora, Shrek, and lots of other things!)...so when we got there, they surprised her by playing an Elmo DVD which was above & below the dentist seat - very cool!

Every chair/room had an individual flat screen tv for your child - and they could watch whatever they wanted to make them feel more at ease. Thier office itself was very cool...they had animal heads popping out of the ceiling & the walls. A club house in the waiting room area with a slide and video games (xbox 360 - which daddy loved!). Destin didn't want to leave - she loved the slide!

The actual visit went really well, they gave us a mini tour - introduced us to the Dr and as far as the exam went - he brushed her teeth, while daddy held her. It went really well - no tears, and maybe a little fear. But it was fast, easy & didn't scare Destin (which is what I was afraid of!).

They gave her a goody bag (see pic below) with a toothbrush, a kid friendly toothbrush (one that they cannot choke on), toothpaste, a sticker, and a tooth chart for us (very cool!). Oh, and they also gave Destin & Arwen a stuffed teddy & turtle :) She loved it!

When we were ready to go, Destin did not want to leave - she kept wanting to play in the club house area :) I can definitely say we will be coming back in 6 months. And maybe by that time (when Arwen is 1) I can take both girls :) I just wish the dentist were that fun for adults!

In case you were wondering...When should you take your child to the dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Medical Association, recommend that your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. Pediatric dentists have two to three years of specialty training following dental school. General dentists may limit their practice to see children, but they are not specialists. It's like the family doctor calling himself a pediatrician.