Parent Information

We look forward to meeting you!  Here is some information and answers to frequently asked questions you may find helpful.

Patient Forms

To help make your visits with us run as smoothly as possible, we have provided our patient forms online for your convenience.

Emergency Information

A guide to help parents and caregivers be more prepared for some of the most common types of childhood tooth injuries.

Tooth Decay Prevention

Parents and caregivers can help to prevent tooth decay in young children by adopting and teaching them healthy habits early on.

Here are a few common questions to make this first trip to our office a pleasant experience for both the parent and the child:

When should my child see a dentist for the first time?

The recommended time to see a dentist is by one year of age in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. A pleasant first visit will build trust and in turn make the child feel at ease during future care visits. Our wish is for your child to feel comfortable with Dr. Chen and his wonderful team.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

As cavities can develop very quickly in young children, we recommend a check-up every six months to the age of 13.  Prevention and early intervention is important to protect young teeth and keep them healthy.

Do I need a referral?

No, you do not need a referral from your doctor or family dentist to come see Dr. Chen.

My child had special needs or a medical condition. Can we come see you?

Yes, we have lots of helpful tips and extensive experience in dealing with many different age groups with special needs and medical backgrounds. Having undergone extensive training thorough his education, Dr. Chen is very familiar with different medical conditions and dental precautions.

What happens during the first visit?

During the first visit, we will provide a friendly and caring introduction to our office. A first visit appointment will include, but not be limited to, dental cleaning, home care instruction, nutrition counseling, growth and development evaluation, orthodontic evaluation, as well as a comprehensive exam that will outline any existing dental concerns. Before your scheduled appointment, you will be asked to fill out our New Patient form to get acquainted with our office. This will take approximately 10 minutes per child.

What happens during a consultation visit?

If you have been referred to our office, Dr. Chen will take the first visit to review your child’s dental and medical history, complete a comprehensive examination, discuss the findings, and explain the treatment options with you. It would be beneficial if parents refrain from using any words that could cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle”, “drill” or “hurt” before the patient’s first visit. We are experienced in working with children with anxiety and can explain treatment procedures in a positive and pleasant manner to avoid any anxious or negative feelings towards dentistry. It is encouraged to let the child know that Dr. Chen and staff will explain everything in detail and will answer any questions he or she has. It is also important the child is aware that they can express any discomfort or concerns they have any time during their visit.