Your first visit

The First Visit From Start to Finish

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one. At ICON it takes three easy steps.

Two ICON team members with a smiling mother and her young son
  1. 1

    Request an appointment

    Use our online request or call (757) 471-2900. Choose an office and the times that suit you, and add brothers and sisters to the same request. Our team calls you to confirm a day and time.

  2. 2

    Meet a pediatric dentist

    The dentist looks at your child’s teeth, gums and bite, cleans when your child is ready, and explains what they see in words a child understands. Babies and toddlers sit on your lap for a knee-to-knee exam.

  3. 3

    Go home with a plan

    You leave knowing what we found, any care your child needs, and when to come back. Most children return every six months.

What to bring

  • Your child’s insurance card, if you have one
  • A list of any medicines your child takes and any allergies
  • A favorite toy or blanket for younger children

When our team calls to confirm, they will tell you about any forms to complete before the visit.

How to talk about the visit

Keep it simple and positive. Tell your child the dentist will count and clean their teeth. Try to avoid words like “hurt” or “shot”. We use gentle, kid-friendly words at the office.

Questions parents ask

When should my child first see a dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by your child’s first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth.

How long does the first visit take?

The exam itself is short. Our team will tell you how long to plan for when they call to confirm.

Can brothers and sisters come on the same day?

Yes. Add each child to your appointment request and we will try to schedule them together.

Is the online request a confirmed appointment?

No. The times you choose are preferences. Our team calls you to confirm a day and time.

Ready for your child’s visit?

Send a request online and our team will call you to confirm a day and time.

Request an appointment