A first visit can be fun! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a child see the dentist once the first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday. The exam is done either in our chair or in a parent's lap to evaluate teeth and assess dental development. It is an opportunity to discuss oral hygiene, decay prevention, healthy habits and proper diet. It is not uncommon for children to be apprehensive, so we focus on "tell, show, do" techniques and a variety of methods to put them at ease and look forward to future visits.