First Dental Visit for Children in Manhattan, NYC
Your child’s journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles begins with their first dental visit. At SmileWorks NYC, Dr. Christine Yeojin Kim and our compassionate team specialize in creating positive, stress-free first dental experiences for your little one. We understand that introducing your child to dental care early establishes a foundation for excellent oral health habits that last a lifetime.
When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling your baby’s first dental appointment by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth emerges—whichever comes first. This might seem surprisingly early to many parents, but these initial visits are crucial for preventing future dental problems.
Early dental visits allow Dr. Kim to:
- Examine your child’s developing mouth and identify potential issues before they become serious
- Provide personalized guidance on proper cleaning techniques specific to your baby’s needs
- Establish a “dental home” where your child feels comfortable and secure
- Address habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use that may affect dental development
- Discuss nutrition choices that support healthy teeth and gums
Even if your baby has few or no teeth, these early appointments are valuable opportunities to become familiar with dental settings in a pressure-free environment. Dr. Kim’s gentle approach helps children build positive associations with dental care from the start.
Complete Family and Orthodontic Dental Care
Comprehensive dental and orthodontic services for beautiful, healthy smiles at every stage of life.
What Happens at Your Child's First Dental Visit?
The Welcome Experience
Your child’s first visit to SmileWorks NYC is designed to be a positive introduction to dental care. Our Manhattan office features a bright, welcoming environment with colorful décor, child-sized furniture, and engaging activities that help young patients feel at ease from the moment they arrive. Our bilingual staff ensures clear communication with families from diverse backgrounds, helping everyone feel welcomed and understood.
Gentle Examination
Dr. Kim uses a gentle approach called “lap examination” or “knee-to-knee” position, where your baby sits on your lap, facing you, then leans back with their head in the dentist’s lap. This position keeps your child connected to you while allowing Dr. Kim to perform a thorough but gentle examination.
Educational Discussion
Beyond the examination, a significant portion of this first appointment focuses on educating parents. Dr. Kim takes time to discuss:
- Age-appropriate oral hygiene techniques
- Recommended toothpastes and toothbrushes
- Nutritional guidance to prevent tooth decay
- Teething expectations and management strategies
- Habits that may affect dental development
- Fluoride recommendations based on individual needs
You’ll leave with practical knowledge, customized recommendations, and resources to support your child’s oral health at home.
Start your child's smile journey right – their first visit with our pediatric experts builds confidence and creates healthy habits for a lifetime.
Meet Dr. Christine Yeojin Kim and Our Expert Team
Dr. Christine Yeojin Kim is a board-certified pediatric dentist (Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry) with specialized training in caring for children of all ages.
What truly sets Dr. Kim apart is her genuine passion for working with children. She understands that each child has unique needs and adapts her approach accordingly—whether a patient requires extra reassurance due to anxiety or special accommodations for sensory sensitivities. Dr. Kim’s gentle demeanor and patience create an environment where children feel safe and parents feel confident in the care provided.
Our team includes Registered Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants specially trained in pediatric care, ensuring every aspect of your child’s visit is tailored to their developmental stage and comfort level.
Start your child's smile journey right – their first visit with our pediatric experts builds confidence and creates healthy habits for a lifetime.
Your Child's First Dental Visit at SmileWorks
At SmileWorks, we believe your child’s first dental visit builds the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We combine advanced pediatric techniques with a warm, compassionate approach to make this important milestone positive and stress-free. From gentle introductions to preventive care, we’re committed to starting your child’s oral health journey with confidence and comfort.
Our kid-friendly office environment and gentle methods are specially designed to welcome first-time visitors, helping them feel at ease throughout their initial appointment. We focus on education and creating positive associations with dental care, empowering both you and your child with knowledge to maintain healthy teeth and gums from the very beginning.
Ready to take the first step in your child’s dental journey? Contact SmileWorks today at (646) 722-1177 to schedule their first visit with our pediatric dental team.
Visit Us
We’re conveniently located in Midtown East, Manhattan. Find us on the 8th floor of the Grand Central Professional Building. Plenty of nearby parking and public transportation options are available.
- 30 Central Park South Suite #11D New York, NY 10019
- 646-722-1177
- Tues-Fri 9am-6:30pm 1st, 3rd Saturdays 9am-2pm