Dental Dos

NOTE: Call a dentist RIGHT AWAY. This is the first step and it's up to
you! ABCD is a preventive program, designed to avoid decay before it
ever begins.
When making the first appointment, be sure to tell the dental office
that your child is on the ABCD program and you want to schedule an
appointment for fluoride and oral health care.

DO keep your appointment. If you must cancel, please call at least 24
hours in advance. The dental offices are not obligated to keep the
children as patients if appointments are missed.

Before the Visit:
•DO keep from using the dentist as a threat.
•DO keep from using words such as "Hurt," "Pain," or "Brave" when talking about the visit to the dentist.
•DO keep from talking about bad dental visits you may have had in front
of your child.
•DO present the first visit in a good light. Let the dentist do most of
the explaining about what will be done.
•DO keep friends and older brothers and sisters from trying to scare your
child about the dentist.

At the Office:
•DO stay in the waiting room if requested to do so by the dentist
(usually however, parents are invited into the treatment room).
•DO tell the dentist about any bad dental visits and/or fears your child
has had.
•DO present clean teeth and a clean body to the dentist.
•DO carry with you a means of disposing of dirty diapers.
•DO bring only the child who has an appoinment to the dentists office (if
possible).
•DO ask your dentist about fluoride drops or tablets.
•DO ask your dentist how many visits your child will need each year (2-3
is usual).
•DO let your dentist know if your address & telephone number have
changed.

BRING MEDICAL COUPON & ABCD CARD TO EVERY APPOINTMENT
Spokane ABCD Dental Program (509) 324-1478