Preparing Your Kids for Their First Dental Visit

Your child’s first dental visit may be a bit overwhelming. Preparing your child in advance can help put them at ease. Take time to talk to your child about the visit and answer their questions so they’ll know what to expect. It also helps to choose a dentist with ample experience working with children. These tips from Dr. Kenneth Poznikoff at Riverside Dental Clinic in Drumheller can help prepare your kids for their first dental visit.

Tips to Consider for The First Dental Visit

The first step is choosing the right dentist, someone you can trust to provide quality dental care for your children. Your kids’ first dentist should have the training and skills to work with children and be knowledgeable about dental issues pertinent to younger patients. The right dentist can help your children develop a positive attitude toward dentistry. Here are a few more tips that can help your children have a successful dental visit: 

• Have a Positive Attitude Toward Dentistry – Speak positively about your child’s upcoming dental visit to dispel worry and fear. Your positivity will help your child look forward to their first dental visit
• Role-play a Dental Visit – Act out a dental visit with your child, with you being the dentist and a stuffed animal being the patient, to give your child an idea of what to expect
• Read Books about Seeing a Dentist – Read stories about visiting a dentist, choosing characters your child is familiar with so he can relate. Hearing that his favourite character isn’t afraid of the dentist can help relieve any hidden fears he may be experiencing
• Bring a “Friend” – Let your child bring his favourite toy or stuffed animal to the dental appointment to help him feel more secure in a new and strange environment
• Choose a Good Time – Choose a time when your child’s happy and energetic to see your dentist to avoid meltdowns during your visit

To schedule your child’s first dental visit at Riverside Dental Clinic, contact Dr. Kenneth Poznikoff in Drumheller, AB, at (833) 575-1855.

Dr. Ken Poznikoff, General Dentist

With over 38 years of experience, Dr. Ken Poznikoff is a highly skilled General Dentist and the owner of Riverside Dental Clinic. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree as well as degrees in Science and Pharmacy. Dr. Poznikoff is committed to advanced dental education and has completed extensive training in orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, sleep disordered breathing, sedation dentistry, dentures and restorative dentistry. He holds hospital privileges at the Drumheller Regional Health Complex, providing surgical care under general anesthesia. Dedicated to long-term patient relationships, Dr. Poznikoff’s expertise and compassionate care makes him a trusted dental professional in the Drumheller community.

Dr. Claude Boutin, Orthodontist

Dr. Claude Boutin is a Board-Certified Orthodontist with over 35 years of specialized orthodontic care in Calgary and at Riverside Dental Clinic. A University of Alberta graduate, he pursued advanced orthodontic training at the University of Toronto. Dr. Boutin is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and an active member of multiple orthodontic associations. Known for staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements, Dr. Boutin frequently attends national conferences and lectures at prestigious meetings. His dedication to excellence and his involvement in the community solidifies his reputation as a leading orthodontic specialist.

Dr. Ben Thomas, Periodontist

Dr. Ben Thomas is a distinguished Periodontist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery, a Master of Public Health, and a Specialty Certificate in Periodontics from the University of North Carolina. With IV Sedation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications, Dr. Thomas provides comprehensive periodontal care, including implant placement, gum grafting, and periodontal regeneration. A fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a member of several prestigious periodontal organizations, Dr. Thomas stays at the forefront of periodontal advancements. His dedication to patient care and extensive expertise makes him a trusted professional at Riverside Dental Clinic.

Dr. Scott Townsend, General Dentist

Dr. Scott Townsend is a General Dentist with 19 years of experience. A former hockey player in the Western Hockey League, Dr. Townsend brings the same dedication and teamwork to his dental practice. He holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Alberta and is a member of the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta, The Alberta Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association. Dr. Townsend specializes in oral surgery including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and periodontal treatments. His compassionate approach and commitment to ongoing education ensure that patients receive personalized surgical care at Riverside Dental Clinic.

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