child in mother's lap at dentist for a first dental visit

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

August 19, 2025 9:00 am

The first dental visit—whether it’s your child’s very first trip to any dentist or simply their first appointment at The Dentist in Central City—is an important milestone. It helps shape the way children view dental care and can influence their comfort level for years to come. A positive start builds trust and confidence, while a stressful one may leave them nervous. With a little preparation, parents can help make that first visit something their child feels ready for, even excited about.

Start the Conversation Early

Children often mirror the feelings of the adults around them. Talking about the dentist in a positive, simple way can help set the tone. Avoid focusing on fears or what won’t happen. Instead, talk about what they will experience: a friendly team, a big chair that goes up and down, and a chance to have their teeth counted. If it’s your child’s first-ever dental visit, present it as a new adventure that comes with growing up. If it’s their first visit to The Dentist, you can emphasize that they’ll be meeting caring new friends who will help keep their smile healthy.

Practice at Home

Role-play can make dental visits feel more familiar. Pretend to be the dentist and gently count your child’s teeth with a toothbrush, then let them switch roles and play dentist with you. Reading storybooks that show happy dental visits also helps. These simple activities turn the unknown into something predictable, and often fun, which eases nerves on the big day.

Plan for Comfort

Small details can make a big difference. Try to schedule the appointment when your child is usually rested and not hungry—morning visits are often a good choice. Encourage them to bring a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal to hold during the visit. That little piece of home can help them feel safe and secure in a new environment.

Set the Example

Children notice when parents feel nervous. If you approach the visit calmly and confidently, your child is more likely to do the same. Remember that Dr. Kristen Hermansen-Ryan, Dr. Mikaela Shaw, and their team are experienced in caring for children. They know how to make little ones feel at ease, even if there are a few jitters at the start. Your trust in the process helps build your child’s trust, too.

The Dentist in Central City, NE: Creating Positive First Visits

At The Dentist in Central City, NE, Dr. Kristen Hermansen-Ryan and Dr. Mikaela Shaw understand how important it is to make a child’s first visit—whether it’s their first-ever or their first with us—a positive experience. From the moment you walk in, the team focuses on warmth, comfort, and support so kids feel safe and welcome. If your child is ready for their first visit, call today to schedule an appointment and give them a confident start to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Dr. Ryan has been my dentist since her hire at Central City Family Dental. She has since purchased the business and transformed it into a cutting-edge practice offering state-of-the-art procedures and patient care. She plans to open a new facility in the future to expand on the already exceptional service. They will be welcoming a new doctor in July, which speaks to the success of their practice. Dr. Ryan is always friendly and personable, and possesses a unique ability to relate with patients of all ages. She is down-to-earth and practical, using plain language to explain care plans and upcoming procedures.I always feel welcome, informed, and cared for at The Dentist!

Dane C.

I have always known I had a good dentist purely because I and my family have never feared to go to the dentist. My son-in-law recently had to visit a dentist in a city in another state. His experience was so miserable and now I understand why some people fear the dentist. This office is always welcoming and puts you first. It is a happy place and they are always concerned about your comfort and making sure you have a good experience. This has been my dentist office since I was a little girl and I never fear making a referral to them.

Cheri S.

Dr. Ryan and her team are the best! They have a fun and friendly atmosphere and are so thorough and knowledgeable. They truly work to give the best patient care possible. Even my kids love them. I think the sign on the door says it all, they are awesome.

Allison H.

It's not always easy for some of us with gum disease to go to the dentist, let alone feel like you can trust what they are doing and care about how you are. I appreciate all they do to make me feel comfortable, as I tend to have some unique challenges. The Dentist, including Dr. Ryan and all the staff from the dental hygienist to the front office are excellent to work with and offer positive suggestions for ways to deal with gum disease and the anxieties about them. I appreciate that more than you will ever know!

Amy P.

I have been to several dentists in my lifetime. The last dentist who I went to for many years retired. So, I had to look for a new dentist and was very impressed by the professionalism this new staff displayed during my visit. The dentist, technicians, and office staff all seemed to have a genuine desire to see that I had the best care provided. This dental office exceeded my expectations so I believe I have found a new health provider that will take care of my dental needs.

Phillip B.