Your Child’s First Visit

Comprehensive Holistic Evaluation for Your Child’s Optimal Health
We Accept Insurance

We accept assignment of benefits, which means we file claims directly with your insurance company and receive payment on your behalf.

No Insurance? No Problem

Our membership plans make it easy to prioritize your child’s oral health and overall wellness without the stress of insurance limitations or unexpected costs.

Take Advantage of Our Financing

We’ll always provide detailed treatment estimates and work with you to find payment solutions that fit your family’s budget and healthcare goals.

Dr. Wengler measuring a young patient's height with a wall chart

A Different Kind of First Visit

Your child’s first visit to Wellness Pediatric Dentistry sets the foundation for a lifetime of positive dental experiences and optimal oral health. Unlike traditional dental offices that focus primarily on examining teeth, our comprehensive new patient experience evaluates your child’s overall development, sleep patterns, breathing, nutrition, and individual needs to create personalized care plans that support their complete wellness.

Dr. Wengler’s unique background, combining board-certified pediatric training with nutritional sciences expertise, allows us to provide thorough evaluations that address the connections between oral health and your child’s overall development. We take time to understand your family’s values, concerns, and healthcare preferences to ensure our care aligns with your approach to wellness.

Building Trust Through Gentle Introduction

We understand that a child’s first dental experience shapes their relationship with oral healthcare for years to come. Our new patient process prioritizes comfort, education, and building positive associations with dental care. Dr. Wengler’s extensive experience with children, including those with special needs and sensory processing differences, ensures every child feels safe and supported during their visit.

Our calm, kid-friendly environment features private treatment rooms that can accommodate children who need quiet spaces, and we always move at your child’s pace. No treatment is performed during the first visit unless there’s an urgent need – instead, we focus on getting acquainted and creating a foundation of trust and understanding.

oung patient building with colorful blocks in our waiting room
Dr. Wengler conducting a pediatric dental examination

Your Child's Comprehensive Evaluation

Before your appointment, you’ll receive new patient forms including medical history, dental questionnaire, and for children five and older, our specialized pediatric sleep assessment. Completing these forms helps us understand your child’s unique needs and allows us to maximize our time together during the visit.

Welcome and Getting Acquainted 

Our team welcomes you and your child, provides a tour of our kid-friendly facility, and allows time for your child to become comfortable with our environment. We review completed forms and discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s oral health or development.

Comprehensive Health Discussion 

Dr. Wengler meets with you and your child to discuss:

  • Overall health and development milestones
  • Sleep patterns and breathing observations
  • Dietary habits and nutritional considerations
  • Previous dental experiences and any concerns
  • Family preferences regarding treatment approaches and materials

Gentle Clinical Examination 

When your child is comfortable, Dr. Wengler performs a thorough but gentle examination, including:

  • Visual inspection of teeth, gums, and oral tissues
  • Assessment of jaw development and facial growth patterns
  • Evaluation of tongue posture and airway space
  • Bite relationship and tooth alignment assessment
  • Digital photos for documentation and education

Specialized Assessments (As Needed)

For Children 5 and Older:

  • Pediatric sleep questionnaire review and discussion
  • Airway and breathing pattern evaluation
  • Assessment of potential orthodontic needs

For All Ages:

  • Nutritional counseling based on Dr. Wengler’s expertise
  • Environmental health considerations
  • Developmental milestone discussion

Comprehensive Care Planning

Following the examination, Dr. Wengler discusses her findings in detail, using visual aids and models to help both parents and children understand any recommendations. We believe in complete transparency about your child’s oral health status and will explain all findings in clear, understandable terms.

Our approach emphasizes prevention and early intervention using holistic methods when possible. If treatment is needed, we discuss all available options, including biocompatible materials, fluoride-free alternatives, and minimally invasive techniques. You’ll receive a detailed treatment plan with timeline recommendations that consider your child’s development and your family’s preferences.

We view this first visit as the beginning of a long-term partnership in supporting your child’s optimal health and development throughout their growth years and into adulthood.

Dr. Wengler sampling Risewell fluoride-free varnish flavor
Young patient positioned for a safe digital dental X-ray

Empowering Families Through Education

Home Care Instruction

We provide personalized guidance on:

  • Age-appropriate oral hygiene techniques
  • Recommended natural and biocompatible oral care products
  • Nutritional choices that support healthy teeth and proper development
  • Environmental factors that influence oral health

Prevention Strategies

  • Dietary counseling based on your child’s individual needs
  • Habit guidance (thumb sucking, pacifier use, etc.)
  • Injury prevention and safety recommendations
  • Signs to watch for that may indicate developing concerns

Development Monitoring

  • Growth and development milestones to expect
  • When to schedule follow-up evaluations
  • Early intervention opportunities during critical growth periods
  • Integration with the overall pediatric healthcare

Individualized Care for Every Child

Children with Special Needs

Dr. Wengler’s extensive experience with autism, sensory processing differences, and other developmental considerations ensures every child receives appropriate care. We adapt our approach, environment, and timing to meet individual needs while maintaining thorough evaluation standards.

Anxious or Fearful Children

Our gentle approach includes:

  • Tell-show-do techniques are appropriate for each developmental stage
  • Comfort items and distraction methods
  • Parent involvement as desired and appropriate
  • Option to schedule additional acclimation visits if needed

Infants and Toddlers

Early visits focus on:

  • Establishing positive dental relationships
  • Parent education about teething, nutrition, and development
  • Assessment of feeding patterns and oral habits
  • Guidance on injury prevention and emergency preparedness
AdobeStock 159619905 scaled - Wellness Pediatric Dentistry

Comprehensive Assessment

Thorough evaluation that considers your child's oral health within the context of their overall development, sleep patterns, breathing, and nutritional status for complete wellness planning.

Personalized Care

Individualized treatment recommendations based on your child's unique needs, development stage, and your family's healthcare values and preferences for truly customized care.

Educational Foundation

Extensive parent and child education about prevention, home care, and developmental considerations that empower families to support optimal oral health at home.

AdobeStock 1503889493 scaled e1763157141822 - Wellness Pediatric Dentistry
Ready To Transform Your Child's Dental Health?

Experience the difference that holistic pediatric care can make for your child. Our comprehensive approach combines gentle techniques with transparent communication to create positive dental experiences that last a lifetime. We’re here to partner with you in supporting your child’s overall health and development through expert oral care.

From fluoride-free alternatives to airway-focused orthodontics, we offer the choices and expertise your family deserves. Schedule your consultation today and discover how our unique approach can benefit your child’s health and wellness journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Child's First Visit

How long is a new patient appointment?

New patient appointments typically last 60-90 minutes to allow time for comprehensive evaluation, thorough discussion of findings, and detailed education. This extended time ensures we can address all your questions and concerns while moving at your child’s comfortable pace without feeling rushed.

Will any treatment be performed during the first visit?

Generally, no treatment is performed during the initial visit unless there’s an urgent need. Our focus is on comprehensive evaluation, building trust, and creating positive experiences. If urgent treatment is needed, we discuss all options and ensure your child is completely comfortable before proceeding.

What should I bring to the first appointment?

Please bring completed new patient forms, insurance information, previous dental records if available, and a list of current medications or supplements. Also, bring any comfort items your child might need and questions you’d like to discuss about their oral health or development.

How do you handle anxious or fearful children?

Dr. Wengler’s pediatric training includes specialized techniques for managing anxiety at every developmental stage. We use the tell-show-do methods, allow parents to stay with their children, and can schedule multiple short visits if needed to build comfort and trust gradually.

Do you provide cost estimates during the first visit?

Yes, if any treatment is recommended, we provide detailed estimates including all available payment options. We verify insurance benefits beforehand when possible and discuss membership plan benefits that may reduce costs for ongoing care.

What age is appropriate for a first dental visit?

We recommend children visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits allow us to monitor proper development, provide prevention guidance, and establish positive dental relationships from the very beginning.