A child’s attitude to the dentist is formed almost entirely during the first two or three visits. The good news is that parents control much of that - starting at home.
When to come first
The recommended first visit is within six months of the first tooth appearing, so around the age of one. That visit is not about treatment - it is an introduction, and a briefing for the parent.
What to say at home
Keep it calm and short: “We’re going to see the dentist, who will count your teeth.” Do not promise that “nothing will be done” - if something is done after all, trust is broken.
Words to avoid
Avoid pain, needle, extraction and drill - even in the form “it won’t hurt”. Children do not process the negation, but the word “hurt” stays.
Equally, never say “if you are not a good boy I will take you to the dentist”. The dentist must not be a punishment.
What we do
Dream Land is a separate treatment box that belongs to children alone. On the first visit we get to know each other, show the instruments and count teeth. Every visit ends with a gift, and completed treatment earns a Super Smile certificate.