Patient Info
Your Child’s First Visit
We are so excited for your family to visit us! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have their first dental visit by their first birthday. This establishes a dental home so we can work together to prevent cavities, have an enjoyable dental experience, and ensure a lifelong of healthy smiles. Our care is gentle, considerate, and sensitive to your child’s unique personality and needs.
Your child’s first appointment will last approximately 30-60 minutes and includes an exam, dental x-rays (if needed), and time to sit down and talk with the doctor. We will discuss your child’s health history, normal growth and development of the teeth and jaw, and healthy habits to encourage at home. Please use this appointment to ask questions about your child’s oral health and how to best take care of your child’s developing teeth in between office visits.
Scheduling an Appointment
Scheduling is easy — just call our office or complete our online form. Dr. Brian splits his time between our office, the hospital, and sedation days, so our in-office schedule changes week to week. We'll find the soonest time that works for your family.
Dental Emergencies
If your child is in pain or broke a tooth, please call the office immediately. We see emergency or trauma patients as quickly as possible. After hours, call our office number and the message will tell you how to reach Dr. Brian's emergency line.
Turning 18? Here's What to Expect
At Darling Children's Dentistry, we specialize in one thing: kids' teeth. That focus is why families trust us — and it's also why our care is designed for kids and teens. Once a patient turns 18, we help them transition to a general or family dentist who's equipped to care for them, and eventually their whole family, long-term as an adult.
In some cases, we may recommend this transition happen a little earlier than 18, based on a child's specific dental needs. We may do this, for example, if they need continued or extensive work on their permanent teeth or more advanced periodontal needs.
Here's what the process typically looks like, though it may vary slightly depending on each child's needs:
About a month before your child's final visit with us, we'll reach out to start the conversation.
At that final visit, we'll talk through next steps and answer any questions.
We're happy to help you find a dentist, and we'll send your records there free of charge — usually within about a week of your request.
If you have more than one child with us, only the child who's aging out is affected — younger siblings may stay with us right where they are.
Turning 18: Common Questions
Why can't I stay a patient after I turn 18? We're a pediatric practice, built and trained specifically for kids' developing teeth. As an adult, you'll get better long-term care from a general or family dentist.
Will I lose my dental records? No. We'll send your full records to your new dentist free of charge, usually within about a week of your request — just let us know where you're headed.
I have younger siblings still seeing you — does this affect them? Not at all. Each child transitions on their own timeline. It's common for one sibling to graduate while a younger one stays with us for years afterward.
Can this happen before I turn 18? In some cases, yes — based on a child's specific dental needs. If it ever applies to your child, we'll always discuss it with you directly.
How do I find a new dentist? We're glad to talk through good options in your area at your final visit — just ask.