From the first tooth
First dental visits, made easy
A short, happy hello by the first birthday, or any age if it's your child's first time at a dentist.
What to know
Pediatric dental guidelines say to book the first visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth. For a baby or toddler it is short and gentle. You hold your child on your lap, we count teeth, check gums and talk about brushing, bottles and snacks. Older first-timers get a slower tour and a ride in the big chair before anything else.
A good fit for
- Babies with a first tooth, or turning one
- Toddlers who have never seen a dentist
- Older kids new to Kite Hill or new to dentists
- Families moving to Northern Colorado
What happens at a first visit
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Hello and a short tour
5 minWe meet in the play corner, not the chair. Your child sees the room and the light first.
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Knee-to-knee exam
5 minFor little ones, you sit facing the dentist and lay your child back on both laps. Quick, close and calm.
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Gentle clean and fluoride
5 minA soft brush clean, then a thin coat of fluoride varnish if you want it. It's painted on in seconds.
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Your questions
10 minTeething, thumb sucking, bottles at night, toothpaste amounts. Ask anything. We write down the key points.
Help the first visit go well
- Book a morning slot, after a nap and a snack.
- Talk about it simply: the dentist will count your teeth.
- Skip words like hurt, shot or scary, even to say it won't happen.
- Bring a favorite toy. It can sit in the chair too.
- Crying is normal for babies. It does not mean the visit went badly.
Which first visit fits your child
We plan the visit around age, not a script.
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Under 3
Lap visit
Knee-to-knee exam, brushing coaching for you, fluoride if you choose. Usually no x-rays.
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3 to 6
Big-chair visit
Tour, counting teeth, a gentle clean and polish. X-rays only if the teeth touch and we need to look between them.
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7 and up
New patient visit
Full exam, cleaning, x-rays if needed and a written plan if anything needs care.
What it usually costs
These are typical self-pay ranges at our office. With insurance or Kite Club, your share is usually lower. The exact number comes in writing before any treatment.
Insurance and Kite ClubFirst visits
- Lap visit for under 3 (exam, coaching, fluoride)
- $95 to $150
- First visit, age 3 and up (exam, cleaning, fluoride)
- $180 to $260
- X-rays, only when needed
- $45 to $120
Most PPO dental plans, Health First Colorado and CHP+ cover first visits and checkups at little or no cost to you. We check your child's benefits before the visit.
Parent questions
My baby only has two teeth. Is it too early?
No. The first tooth is the right time. The visit is mostly for you: how to brush, how much toothpaste, and what to do about bottles at night.
What if my child cries the whole time?
That's fine and common under age three. The exam takes a few minutes, and many children cry less on the second visit once the room feels familiar.
Do I need to bring anything?
Your insurance card if you have one, and a list of any medicines. We text you the health forms to fill in at home before the visit.
More answers on our parent FAQ.
More care for your child
Book your child's first visit
Book online in about two minutes. We confirm by text, send the forms to fill in at home, and check your insurance before you arrive.