Dr. Jacqueline Bourdette

For the first visit, your child will have an oral examination and a topical fluoride treatment. Depending on their age, a dental prophylaxis (cleaning) might also be done. Your child's teeth will be evaluated for the need for radiographs (x-rays). You will be asked to fill out forms about your child, including about their medical history. You will be questioned about oral hygiene, diet, and about oral habits such as thumb-sucking. We want to put together a good home care program that will help maintain a beautiful smile.

When preparing your child for their visit, it is best to treat it like a an ordinary event - like a haircut. Children are acutely attuned to the feelings and emotions of their parents and any apprehension you may have will be easily transferred to them. The vast majority of children have an easy and enjoyable visit to the dentist and we want to make sure yours does, too. Just tell them that they are going to see the dentist, and she will count and take pictures of their teeth. Talking about the visit at length can make children apprehensive. Please avoid using fear-provoking words such as "hurt", "drill", "pull", or "shot/needle". We will explain procedures and instruments to them as we go, using age-appropriate and emotionally neutral words.

Most children aged four years and older do better -are more relaxed and cooperative- when they go into the operatory alone. This also gives us the opportunity to get to know your child better as an individual, and helps them develop a relationship with Dr. Bourdette and staff so they are comfortable coming in to the dental office. This helps them see dental visits as just another part of life, like going to school; and helps to achieve the long term goal of comfortably going to the dentist for regular preventive visits all their life. You will be told of anything we do before we do it (although the office is set up so that parents can see and hear everything anyway). Sometimes parents ask if they can "just walk them back". This often makes it harder for the child. When the child walks into the operatory, leaving you in the reception area, they know exactly where you are -sitting and waiting for them. When you walk them in and leave them, this seemingly small change can have a undesired effect on a child. There can be a feeling of abandonment as they can't see where you have gone. It also prolongs the separation process. Please rest assured that we treat each child as we would like to see our own children treated -with love and respect. If you are invited in during procedures, please do so as a "silent partner", and let us lead the appointment. Avoid touching them during procedures, as children can feel any tension in their parents touch. Children aged three years of age and younger usually do better with a parent close by.

After the dental/oral exam, Dr. Bourdette will go over any findings and any needed treatment. A dental home care program will be developed based on your child's age, abilities, and any special needs. If restorative treatment is necessary, you will be given a written treatment plan with an estimate of your cost. Any needed restorative visits will be scheduled. Your child will be placed on a "recall" checkup and cleaning schedule, and many parents find it convenient to schedule the next checkup appointment before they leave. This way, it is easier to get the times that you want and your child's important preventive appointments will be done in a timely manner. We will remind you in advance when the appointment is coming up.

We stress prevention. If any cavities are found on the first visit, our goal is to comfortably have them taken of and never find any more on return visits! Your child's oral hygiene program at home will include brushing after breakfast, before bed and after sweets; daily flossing, and limiting intake of sweets and sugary drinks. It is individualized for each child as we learn more about them and examine their teeth, and learn more about any special needs.

If someone other than a parent or guardian will be bringing the child in, please let us know. We will get you the necessary consent forms.

The current recommendation for a child's first visit to the dentist is the first birthday. Teeth are prone to decay as soon as they break through the gums, and we want to make sure your child starts off on a preventive program as soon as possible.

Dr. Bourdette sees children from birth to eighteen years. Children with disabilities are welcome. There is an elevator up to our floor and wheelchair access is easy. Children with emotional and psychiatric disabilities as well as physical disabilities are welcomed.

We look forward to welcoming your family into our dental home.

New Patient Health Form

For your convenience when visiting our office, please print the New Patient Health History Form, complete the information and bring it with you to your first visit.

To print the form you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat, please click here to download it for free to your computer.

Click here to print the New Patient Health History Form.

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