Hi There Lifechanger ,
It's a good idea if you take your DD to the dentist you decide upon , before the trip and maybe just pop in for some old excise- just for the reason when you go for her first actual appointment she would have been there before. Maybe do this 1-2 weeks beforehand.
Try reading books like Peppa Pig which have an elephant dentist as well to prepare her for what may be there .
A good dentist may be able to speak to your DD in the waiting room and build a little rapport before gong straight to the room with the dental chair.
It is not important that DD sits in the dental chair, but much more important that DD is happy and comfortable with the situation as she will need to repeat this every year for the rest of her life. Children learn to be afraid from us and their peers. If we give them no reason to be afraid, then they will not be.
Never say things like " you will be ok " or " it wont hurt " - as this immediately makes children think that its not going to be ok and that it may hurt . Only mention things you want them to feel. Like , this is going to be fun, or the dentist might count your teeth, or you will enjoy this .Its important that the first visit is about feeling settled and comfortable and the dentist can impart important dental advice to you and basically have a chat and find out what the dental routine is at home. Maybe bring her toothbrush and toothpaste in to show to the dentist .If and only if , she feels comfortable, then the dentist could take a look- maybe on your lap if she is more comfortable there .
There are plenty of good dentists with children and I am sure some people here will make recommendations, but if you don't get any, I see children and families of all ages at Trinity Fields Dental, 194 Trinity Rd, Wandsworth Common,SW17 .
All the best for this exciting step in DD's life and hopefully the first of a long and happy relationship with her dentist
