What happens at the first visit

  • On arrival, complete the questionnaire
  • Discussion with Dr Linnett about history, oral hygiene practices and diet
  • Examination using mirror and toothbrush
  • Discussion of findings
  • Recommended treatment detailed in writing
  • Followup appointment/s made where required

We are committed to providing the best quality dentistry for your child. In order to do this, Dr Linnett will ask you some detailed questions about your child’s medical, dental and diet history. In the event of your child needing dental treatment, Dr Linnett needs to speak to a parent or guardian so that consent for treatment can be given. For this reason, a parent or guardian needs to come to the initial consultation.

When you arrive, our receptionist, will give you a form to fill out. This contains contact details and a medical history questionnaire. As a courtesy to other patients, we ask that you arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment, allowing time to complete the questionnaire.

We are very conscious of keeping to time, however, occasionally an emergency will arise, or something unforeseen may occur. If this is the case, you will be advised.

Before looking in your child’s mouth, Dr Linnett will ask you some detailed questions about your child’s complete medical history. This will often include pregnancy and birth history and any medical concerns the child has had since then. The reason for this is that teeth are approximately half formed at the time of birth, and any conditions adversely affecting the child’s health can also adversely affect the quality of the teeth. This information then becomes useful in trying to ascertain the cause of any dental conditions including poor quality enamel (“chalky” teeth). The dentist will then enquire about oral hygiene, for instance brushing and the type of toothpaste your child is using.

Following this, the dentist will also ask you some questions about your child’s diet. This is because diet plays a very large role in dental decay, and sometimes it is necessary to modify diet to decrease the risk of tooth decay in the future.

During this consultation, please feel free to ask the dentist questions about your child’s dental health, to help obtain the best possible dental health for your child.

For very young children, Dr Linnett will do a ‘lap exam’ where the parent and the dentist will sit “knee to knee”. The child is held in the parents lap and then laid back into Dr Linnett’s lap. This way, it is possible for Dr Linnett to get a good look at the young child, while at the same time, the child can still see the parent providing reassurance and support.

At the examination, Dr Linnett will look at your child’s mouth, and “count” his/her teeth. This is usually done with a toothbrush and a mouth mirror. Advice re brushing will be given if necessary and a treatment plan will be provided.

Please note that the initial visit is for a consultation only.

Any treatment required will be detailed on a written Treatment Plan. This will include health fund item numbers and fees. Appropriate appointment/s may then be made. Some children may require treatment under sedation or general anaesthetic. Because of the specialized equipment and staff required including a Specialist Anaesthetist, these procedures are done on specific days with appropriate time allocation. Fasting will also be required if your child needs a general anaesthetic. If this type of treatment is advised for your child, you will be given detailed instructions and information.

If you or your child are anxious about this visit, please reassure the child that this visit is for “a look and a talk”. We aim to get to know your child in a relaxed environment that is aimed at allaying fears and being as pleasant as possible.

We are looking forward to meeting you and your child.