Susan E. Vickers, DMD, MS

General information

Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) all recommend establishing a "Dental Home" for your child by one year of age. Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. If old enough, your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better. It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle", "shot", "pull", "drill" or "hurt". The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child. We invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination. Dr. Vickers stresses an open door policy during your child's visits. Feel free to accompany your child during visits. For convenience and room in the operatories we ask that only one parent be with the child. We strive to make each and every visit to our office a fun one!