Since February is Children's Dental Health Month - you may be thinking about getting your little ones teeth checked.
If so, you really should consider checking out Dr. Shana Capra and her team at The Kids Dental Practice. Allow me to share our family's first dental checkup with you.
After meeting Dr. Shana at an event (when things were open), I knew I wanted to take the boys to her office - The Kids Dental Practice in West Delray Beach.
She was so kind and down to earth, and as she told me about her office, I could see the pride and joy in her eyes as she described it and that made ME want to go! It sounded so kid-friendly - it has a special infant room where little ones can sit on their caregiver's lap while getting their checkup and a sensory wall so kids can see, touch, and hear some of the equipment that is used during a typical dental visit.
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I really was excited to check this place out! The 'going to the dentist drama' was not an issue I wanted to have with my boys - so I thought this place would provide the perfect distraction to the task at hand.
I made an appointment for my 2 boys, ages 5 and 2 1/2. We talked about going to the dentist, and why. I tried to hype them up without going too extra, and I even had a few first dentist books that we read. Yeah - it was like that. This is a big one for me because, as a kid, my teeth were all jacked up and I had to endure surgeries, tooth extractions, braces, more surgeries -- like Woah. Too much! I guess I was the one that was traumatized - so the books and the hype were probably more for me than the boys - but that's how it went down in our household.
I filled out all our paperwork and information online when I made the appointment, so on the day of our dentist visit, it was easy peasy lemon-squeezy as my kid says. We called when we got to the office to and were told to come in right away.
The office was super clean, beautifully decorated, welcoming, and totally put me at ease the second we walked through the door. We were checked in by Polet, who was super sweet and welcoming. She confirmed that they had all of our information and took a quick temperature check and picture of the boys.
My boys literally ran in! The lobby of the Kid's Dental Practice has an interactive floor play area that has all kinds of images and active games. They were popping bubbles then they were playing soccer with a virtual ball. They were loving it!
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When we were called back to the dental chairs, the boys were in awe of the colors, decor, wall stickers, and the entire walk in - but when we got to the sensory experience wall, thats when things changed. Peggy, who would do the boys cleaning, took the time to explain the process and tools that she would be using while checking and cleaning the boys teeth.
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They got to touch, feel, hear and see everything that was about to be introduced to them. They were not rushed at all and able to to take their time to understand it all. I felt so at ease and comfortable watching them in this environment, all my dental fears and apprehension were gone.
Kayden was first.
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He was so excited to see HIS name on the board and I thought it was a super nice touch.
So he immediately felt at home and he took his shoes off, hopped up in the chair, and was ready to go. He got to wear a cool pair of sunglasses, so the light wouldn't bother his eyes and he opened his mouth wide to show his pearly whites and let Ms. Peggy get to work cleaning his teeth. I was pleasantly surprised at the reaction.
His brother and I were allowed to sit right there and watch/hang out with him. Kingston was intently observing the entire process. After an easy check and cleaning, they took a few quick X-rays - also visible to me from where I sat and waited with Kingston. Kayden could see me and I could see him. He flashed me a thumbs up so apparently he was good to go!
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Kingston was up next and hopped right up on the chair ready to go just like his big brother did! Ms. Peggy spoke to him about what she was doing and played and entertained him while she flawlessly checked, brushed, and flossed my toddler's teeth. They both did really great!!
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Once the boys were all fresh and clean, Dr. Shana came in to check them out. She explained everything she was looking for and checking on - to both them and me, answered any and all of our questions, and then told the boys they were doing a good job brushing their teeth and to now add flossing to the routine. The boys were beaming at the dentist complimenting their brushing skills and quickly agreed to floss too!
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This was going great! My kids were smiling, no tears, no anxiety for mom and a clean bill of dental health!
But this best part of all, as we were leaving.. the boys got their very own balloons, a play-doh surprise, AND a personalized certificate of their First Dental Visit!
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Needless to say, we ALL had a great experience at The Kids Dental Practice. They truly are a pediatric dental practice that was built upon creating an experience with kids in mind. As we were leaving, my son even said. "I can't wait to go back to the dentist!" Who says that?!? And actually means it?? These kids. Because their experience was awesome.
Thanks Dr. Shana, Peggy and Polet for making the boys first trip to the dentist a memorable one!
If you would like to make an appointment or learn more about The Kids Dental Practice, You can call them at (561) 840-5437 or find them online HERE.
They are located:
15065 S State Road 7
Suite 650
Delray Beach, FL 33446
*The Kids Dental Practice is a paid advertiser with MacaroniKid Boynton/Delray, however all opinions are my own and based on actual personal experience.
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