What happens at your child’s first dentist appointment
A gentle start for healthy little smiles
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Our first appointment is focused on prevention, comfort, and helping your child feel at home.
What to Expect at the First Visit
We start by giving your child time to look around, get comfortable, and see anything we plan to use before it comes near their mouth.
For babies and toddlers, Dr. Truong can do a lap-to-lap exam while your child stays in your arms. There is no rush to move to the dental chair before they are ready.
Older kids may have a gentle cleaning, exam, fluoride, and X-rays when needed. At the end, we walk you through what we found and answer your questions.
We Show, Then We Go
If your child feels nervous, we use Tell-Show-Do. Before anything touches their teeth, they get to see it and try it first.
Knowing what comes next makes visits feel more predictable, less intimidating, and a whole lot easier for your cub.
Before you come in
Your forms arrive through NexHealth once you book. Filling them out ahead of time means less of your appointment will be spent in the lobby.
Bring your insurance card.
Jot down any medications, allergies, or medical conditions. Include the ones that seem unrelated to teeth.
Worth mentioning to us: thumb sucking, pacifier use, bottles at bedtime, grinding at night, or a tooth that already looks discolored.
When you schedule, let us know about any accommodations your child needs.
Read a children’s book about visiting the dentist together in the days before the appointment.
Keep the conversation about the visit positive and light.
If your cub feels nervous
Some kids need a little more time, and that is completely okay. Bring a favorite comfort item, ask for a sensory basket, or take a break in our calming room before trying again.
If future treatment needs extra support, we also offer nitrous oxide and general anesthesia when appropriate. Most first visits do not need either.
What Your Visit May Cost
We accept Delta Dental PPO and Premier, Aetna, Ameritas, Anthem, Assurant, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Guardian, MetLife, Principal, Sun Life Financial, The Standard, United Concordia, United Healthcare, and Washington State Medicaid (Apple Health). We also accept cash and credit cards, with online payments available through Rectangle Health.
Our front desk checks your benefits before treatment whenever possible, so you know what is covered and what you may owe before care begins.
Helpful Options for Families
Between insurance plans?
Ask about our $150 flat rate for an exam, X-rays, cleaning, and fluoride.
Not sure about a treatment plan?
We offer second opinions.
What Clark County families remember
400+ 5-star reviews
“My son has ADHD, and the whole staff was kind, helpful, and accommodating. I highly recommend Pleasant Valley Pediatric Dentistry.”
– Jennifer B.
“Thanks to their caring approach, my son no longer feels scared or stressed about going to the dentist.”
– Diana P.
“My daughter needed emergency dental work after chipping her front tooth. They got us treatment immediately and treated her with compassion.”
– Ellen L.
“Dr. T and the staff made our little guy feel safe, and made us feel reassured as parents.”
– Paul O.
“We are state insured, and we were not treated as lesser patients in any way. Everyone was welcoming and caring.”
– Patti S.
“They were nice and gentle with my nervous 6-year-old and explained every step to both of us.”
– Amanda B.
“They helped my anxious daughter feel comfortable and happy. I would highly recommend them for your family.”
– Daisie S.
“Both of my sons had dental surgery here, and they did an amazing job. They are great professionals.”
– Mariya S.
“Pleasant Valley is always a positive experience for my kiddos. The whole staff is wonderful.”
– Kassidy W.
“They are very nice and patient with kids, and always make us feel comfortable during visits.”
– Melisa J.
Ready for the first visit?
Booking online takes about a minute. If your cub is nervous or has specific needs, call us first. We’re happy to talk through the visit before you choose a time.
First visit
questions
By age one, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits are about prevention and getting comfortable, not drilling.
Then they cry the entire time, and we still get it done. Crying is normal for this age group and it does not mean the appointment failed or that your child is badly behaved.
Yes. Parents stay for the exam, and with babies, you are physically part of it.
Only if they are due and your child can tolerate them. Most very young children do not need x-rays at a first appointment.
Usually, a gentle polish rather than a full cleaning, scaled to what they will comfortably sit for.
Find us on
NE Hazel Dell Ave
Pleasant Valley Pediatric Dentistry is in Vancouver, WA, on NE Hazel Dell Ave, a few minutes from I-5 and an easy drive from Salmon Creek, Hazel Dell, Orchards, Battle Ground, and Ridgefield.
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: By appointment only
Saturday–Sunday: Closed