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Your Child’s First Dental Visit Should Feel Easy and Positive

Your child’s first dental visit sets the tone for how they feel about dental care for years to come. At Jacaranda Smiles, we focus on creating a gentle, welcoming experience that helps children feel comfortable while giving parents peace of mind. Many parents wonder when to schedule their child’s first dental visit and what the experience will be like for their child.

This visit is designed to be low-pressure, educational, and supportive. We move at your child’s pace, explain everything clearly, and focus on building trust—so your child leaves feeling proud, confident, and excited to come back.

Establishing a trusted dental home early in your child’s life sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. Following the official health milestones outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, parents should schedule their child’s first baseline dental screening as soon as their very first tooth erupts, or no later than their first birthday. This early visit allows our team to track soft tissue development and protect primary enamel before common early childhood alignment or cavity issues arise.

What happens during your child’s first dental visit?

Your child gets a gentle exam and a friendly introduction to our team and tools, and you get time to ask questions. A first dental visit should never feel rushed or overwhelming. We focus on comfort, communication, and familiarity—helping your child feel safe while giving you clear answers and guidance.

Our team takes time to explain what’s happening in simple, friendly language and ensures parents feel informed at every step.

Benefits Include:

  • Gentle, child-led pacing
  • Clear explanations for parents and kids
  • Positive introductions to dental tools
  • Focus on comfort, not procedures
  • Encouraging, confidence-building approach

Related reading: why every child should see a children’s dentist by age one and why baby teeth matter and how to care for them.

Friendly first dental visit experience at Jacaranda Smiles
Young child during a gentle dental visit at Jacaranda Smiles

What should I expect at my baby’s first dental checkup?

Expect a short, gentle, unhurried visit. Our team performs a quick lap-to-lap exam to gently inspect developing gums and emerging primary teeth while offering personalized guidance on teething, home hygiene, and soothing habits.

What happens at a toddler’s first dental exam?

As your child grows, a toddler first dental exam focuses on fun, interactive exploration! We introduce our instruments using simple, playful language, count their teeth together, and gently polish their smile while keeping them completely comfortable.

This is one of the pediatric dentistry services at Jacaranda Smiles.

What Happens During the Visit

A gentle exam, friendly introductions, and comfort-focused care.

How We Help Nervous Kids

Patience, reassurance, and a calm environment.

Parent Questions Answered

Clear guidance without pressure or judgment.

Why should my child have a dental home by age one?

A dental home by age one gives your child consistent risk checks, preventive care matched to their needs, and a familiar place for every visit. It also builds a trusted relationship between your family and our pediatric dental team.

STEP 1

Schedule Your Appointment

Book online, call, or text—whatever is easiest for your family.

STEP 2

Warm Welcome

Your child is greeted with kindness and introduced to the space.

STEP 3

Gentle Examination

We assess oral development while focusing on comfort and trust.

STEP 4

Clear Next Steps

Parents leave with guidance and a plan—no pressure.

How can I prepare my child for the dentist?

Keep conversations positive and light at home, read fun children’s books about dental visits, and let them know our team is excited to meet them! We encourage parents to join us in the treatment room every step of the way.

Early Trust

A gentle first visit gives your child a friendly, familiar dental home from the start.

Less Dental Anxiety

Playful introductions to our tools help toddlers feel curious instead of nervous.

Healthy Habits

Parents get personal guidance on teething, home hygiene and soothing habits.

Confident Growth

Regular visits as your child grows mean concerns are found early and handled gently.

Why do families choose Jacaranda Smiles for a first visit?

For over 20 years, families across Broward County have trusted Jacaranda Smiles to care for their children’s smiles. Our pediatric team is experienced, patient, and dedicated to creating positive first impressions.

How Jacaranda Smiles is Different:

  • Pediatric specialists, including board-certified pediatric dentists
  • Comfort-first philosophy
  • Clear, parent-friendly communication
  • Multi-location convenience

Which offices offer first dental visits?

Your child’s first dental visit is available at all four Jacaranda Smiles offices in Broward County:

Young patient with the Jacaranda Smiles orthodontic team in Broward County

“My daughter used to be terrified of the dentist, after just one visit, she even asks when she can go back! The team is so patient and the office feels like a playground. I wish I’d found Jacaranda Smiles sooner.”

Verified Patient|Jacaranda Smiles Family

“We have been going to Jacaranda Smiles in Pembroke Pines for the past year and half. It’s has always been a great experience. Last time we went they found out my daughter had two cavities. She is only 4 and I was so scared. The amazing staff Dr. Izzy and the sweetest assistant Priscilla were so nice and professional that my daughter has absolutely no fear or trauma of dentists.”

Verified Patient|Jacaranda Smiles Family

“I highly recommend Jacaranda Smiles for any services needed. My son loves Dr. Rene because he is funny and nice which are qualities children need when visiting the office. Plus the staff is always friendly and helpful especially Gissel, Daniela, Gaby, & Maria!”

Verified Patient|Jacaranda Smiles Family

Meet Our Pediatric Dental Team

Our pediatric dentists specialize in caring for growing smiles with patience, warmth, and expertise.

Dr. Rene
Dr. Rene of the Jacaranda Smiles pediatric dental team in Broward County

Dr. Rene

Pediatric Dentist Serving South Florida Families

Dr. Rene Landa is a pediatric dentist who believes that helping children feel comfortable, confident, and supported is just as important as clinical care. Born and raised in South Florida,…
Dr. Ben-Elazar
Dr. Karen of the Jacaranda Smiles pediatric dental team in Broward County

Dr. Ben-Elazar

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist in South Florida

Dr. Karen Ben-Elazar is a board-certified pediatric dentist dedicated to creating positive, confidence-building dental experiences for children and families across South Florida. She believes early dental care should feel gentle,…
Dr. Monika
Dr. Monika of the Jacaranda Smiles pediatric dental team in Broward County

Dr. Monika

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist in South Florida

Dr. Monika Srivastava is a board-certified pediatric dentist with nearly two decades of experience caring for children and supporting families through every stage of their dental journey. She believes pediatric…
Dr. Victoria
Dr. Victoria of the Jacaranda Smiles pediatric dental team in Broward County

Dr. Victoria

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist Serving South Florida Families

Dr. Victoria Gandarillas is a board-certified pediatric dentist who is passionate about creating fun, positive dental experiences for children and families. With a gentle approach and a strong focus on…

Ready to Schedule Your Child’s First Visit?

We’re here to make your child’s first dental experience calm, positive, and confidence-building.

Child First Dentist Visit Age and Other Frequently Asked Questions






How do costs and insurance work for a first visit?

Our team reviews your insurance and payment options with you clearly and honestly before your child’s first visit.

Insurance Accepted

We accept most major dental plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental PPO, MetLife PPO, United Healthcare and Medicaid plans such as MCNA and DentaQuest. See the full list.

Flexible Payment Options

Our team walks you through payment options that work for your family.

Clear Estimates

You get a clear estimate before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.

Reviewed by Dr. Rene · Last updated