First Dental Appointments for Kids: What to Expect

First dental appointments for kids can be an exciting milestone, but it’s natural for parents to feel a bit anxious. For many adults, a trip to the dentist can be an anxious time, with uncertainties about their oral health combined with some of the myths about what to expect at the dentist adding to that anxiety. At Hamilton Dental Centre, we work closely with our patients to alleviate any cause of anxiety both before, during and after a visit, and we also aim to do the same when it comes to a child’s visit.

That’s why at Hamilton Dental Centre, we strive to make your child’s first dental visit a positive and comfortable experience. We want to ensure that their first visit to the dentist cultivates lifelong oral health habits and transforms dental care into a positive experience, both for tamariki and their whānau. Led by Dr Dave Blom (Bachelors of Dentistry, Stellenbosch) and Dr Bashar Humadi (University of Otago, with a background in psychology and paediatric care), families in Hamilton benefit from expertise honed across decades and continents.​

Here’s what you can expect and how you can prepare for this important step in your child’s oral health journey.

Why Early Dental Visits Matter

Research shows that up to 40% of New Zealand five-year-olds experience tooth decay before school starts, a preventable condition with lifelong consequences if untreated. Early visits not only help detect issues before they escalate but also establish a pattern of preventive care, reducing anxiety and fostering trust. Both the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend your child’s first dental appointment within six months of the first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday.​

• Key statistics: In 2022, 56% of Kiwi five-year-olds seen by community oral health services were caries-free. The mean number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth (dmft) for this age group was 2.0, a number parents and dental professionals aim to reduce through preventive care and education.​

The Hamilton Dental Difference

What sets Hamilton Dental Centre apart is not only our gentle, child-focused care but our commitment to continuing education and patient comfort. Dr Dave Blom’s leadership in both South Africa and New Zealand, along with Dr Bashar Humadi’s collaborative, psychological approach, means the team is equipped to handle even the most anxious young patient. The practice’s philosophy centres around:

• Positive reinforcement and age-appropriate explanations
• Collaboration with parents to ensure children are set up for lifelong dental health
• Pain-free experience and “tell-show-do” methods so your child knows exactly what to expect​

When to Schedule the First Visit

According to the Plunket website, as soon as your child’s first tooth comes through, you should enrol your child with your local Community Oral Health Service. The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. 

• As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, enrol them with your local Community Oral Health Service (0800 TALK TEETH).
• While New Zealand’s school dental programme is world-class and free until age 18, early intervention through a family practice like Hamilton Dental Centre allows bespoke care and guidance before problems start.​

Families are urged not to wait until pain or visible decay occurs. “Bringing children in when their first teeth erupt ensures we can give parents tailored advice and sets the tone for relaxed, positive appointments,” says Dr Humadi.​

At Hamilton Dental Centre, we welcome children of all ages and are experienced in providing gentle, child-friendly care. So, once that first tooth has started to appear, talk to the team and we can ensure that we get your child booked in for their first appointment at the right time, setting them on the road to good oral health for life.

What Happens During the First Visit

First dental appointments are typically informal and brief. The primary goal is to make the dental environment a friendly, non-threatening place. Here’s the Hamilton Dental Centre protocol:

• Friendly staff greet your child, helping them acclimatise to the space
• Gentle examination of the mouth, teeth, and gums (often with the child on a parent’s lap)
• Cleaning if necessary – most early visits focus on demonstration and parent guidance
• Discussion of brushing, diet, and oral habits such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use
• Individualised oral health advice drawing upon the latest NZ Ministry of Health and NZDA guidelines​
• Time for Q&A, so parents leave with confidence

The session concludes with recommendations for next steps and a regular check-up schedule tailored to your child’s needs.

What Parents Should Know: Common Mistakes, Best Practices

Avoid waiting until your child complains of pain, skipping early dental checks, or downplaying the importance of baby teeth – they are crucial for eating, speech, and as placeholders for adult teeth. Hamilton Dental Centre’s team also advises:​

• Stick to twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste (grain-of-rice size for babies, pea-sized for preschoolers). Supervise brushing until age 8​
• Introduce flossing once teeth touch
• Choose dairy, crunchy vegetables, and whole grains over frequent snacking/drinks. Frequent sugar exposure is the top cause of tooth decay in Kiwi tamariki​
• Ensure visits are scheduled when your child is rested and calm

Our dental practice is a child-friendly environment with books and games to keep them entertained whilst they wait and this can be part of the adventure for kids. Try and create a positive experience and treat it as a day out and something fun to do and your kids will soon become comfortable with trips to the dentist.o do and your kids will soon become comfortable with trips to the dentist.

Why Choose Hamilton Dental Centre?

Unlike large, impersonal dental chains, Hamilton Dental Centre offers:

• Direct guidance from dentists with decades of paediatric experience and international credentials​
• Testimonials from parents who have overcome dental anxiety and now trust the practice for every aspect of family care​
• State-of-the-art technology and “tell-show-do” techniques to demystify procedures for children​
• Community involvement and leadership in oral health education, reflected in continual patient feedback and improvement​

Tips for Preparing for a First Visit

• Use positive language: Frame dental visits as an adventure, and read children’s books about going to the dentist to normalise the experience.​
• Role-play: Pretend play helps children understand the routine and process.
• Bring comfort items: Favourite toys or blankets provide reassurance.
• Reward visits: Celebrate with stickers or an extra outing.

Key References (for further reading)

Environmental Health Intelligence NZ Oral Health Report

NZ Ministry of Health Oral Health Guidelines

New Zealand Dental Association Paediatric Dental Care

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry First Visit Recommendations

KidsHealth NZ

FAQ: First Dental Visits for Children

When should my child see a dentist for the first time?

By their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first​.

Is fluoride toothpaste safe for babies and toddlers?

Yes, in small amounts as recommended for age​.

Can I use the school dental programme and private dentists?

Yes, private dentists like Hamilton Dental Centre offer tailored, early care with continuity​.

What if my child is anxious or resistant?

Choose child-friendly, trusted clinics and prepare with positive language, pretend play, and comfort items​.

How do I enrol for free dental care?

Call 0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583) for community oral health services​.

What foods help my child’s teeth stay healthy?

Dairy, crunchy fruits/vegetables, whole grains, and water are best​. Limit sugary snacks and drinks.

Hamilton Dental Centre stands ready to guide your family through every stage of oral health, and shape healthy smiles for generations. For appointments, tailored advice, or further information, contact the team directly or visit our Kids’ Dentistry page.​

Related Articles

You can read more about dentistry for kids in some of our recent news articles:

• Dental Tips for Kids
• Keeping Your Child’s Smile Healthy: A Guide for Parents in Hamilton
• The Importance of Paediatric Dentistry and How It Helps Kids Develop Healthy Dental Habits