For many parents, a child’s first dental visit can feel overwhelming, but at Cedar Park Premier Dentistry, the goal is to create positive experiences from the very beginning.
Office manager and treatment coordinator Neisha Welch said children should be seen within the first six to 12 months of life, or as soon as the first tooth is visible.
“We start out with what we call a ‘happy visit.’ It's no cost to the parent; this appointment is an opportunity to get the [child] to start becoming familiar with the dental office and get used to our friendly faces! It’s a great way to build trust and show that the dental office is not a scary place,” Welch said.
While the practice isn’t exclusively pediatric, families are embraced wholeheartedly.
The team uses a mix of playful tools and gentle approaches to help kids feel at ease.
“I have this cute little alligator that has a big smile with teeth. It has a little toothbrush, so we show the kiddos how to [brush their teeth] with that, as well as showing them in the mirror,” Welch said.
A treasure box, coloring books and cartoons on the TV round out the kid-friendly environment.
“[These] small things help to encourage a fun environment and experience for the kiddos,” Welch said.
One of the biggest advantages for parents is being able to bring the whole family to one place.
“We want to take the [kids] into our care and let moms and dads know that everything is going to be okay, ... and that we're going to take care of their kiddo the same that we take care of them,” Welch said.
Preventative and emergency care
Preventive care is always the first line of defense. When fluoride treatments or sealants are needed, the process is handled with care.
“We will have a conversation with the parent about the behavior of the child,” Welch said. “If a child is going to be comfortable and not antsy or scared, then we can complete treatments here in our office. However, if it's something where we might need to take extra [measures] for the child to make sure that the child is comfortable, then we'll refer them to a pediatric office.”
Even in emergencies, their team makes children a priority.
“We always work them in, and we'll always do whatever we need to do,” Welch said. “I know [dental emergencies] are so scary, ... so we will always accommodate to the best of our ability no matter what!”
Building lifelong confidence
For Cedar Park Premier Dentistry, pediatric care isn’t just about keeping teeth clean; it’s about setting children up for a lifetime of good habits.
“Honestly, it breaks my heart when I have adult patients ... who have such a high anxiety level because of a [dental] situation that they went through while they were a child,” Welch said.
Welch’s goal is clear: to make sure every child is comfortable enough to never encounter dental anxiety.
Whether it’s a child’s very first happy visit or a parent bringing their little one along to an appointment, the team’s approach is the same: warmth, patience and comfort, so kids grow up smiling without fear.
Click here to schedule an appointment with Cedar Park Premier Dentistry today.
Location: 209 Denali Pass Drive, Ste. B., Cedar Park
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
