Pediatric Dental Exams

At Novato Children's Dentistry, we understand that a child's first experiences at the dentist can shape their attitude towards dental care for life. That's why we have crafted a Dental Exam experience that is not only thorough, but also fun and engaging for your child.

Our friendly and experienced team is dedicated to making each visit a positive and comfortable adventure, ensuring your child feels at ease and excited about their dental health.

From the moment they walk through our doors, they are greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed to make them feel at home.

We use child-friendly amenities and explain procedures in a way that is easy for kids to understand, helping build their confidence and trust in dental care.

Our Approach

• Kid-Friendly Environment: Our clinic is designed to make your child feel comfortable and excited about their dental visit. With colorful and playful decor, calming and familiar music, two saltwater fish tanks, soothing essential oil diffusion, a warm and friendly staff, we ensure a positive atmosphere from the moment you walk in.‍
• Gentle Examinations: Our pediatric dentists, Dr. Espinosa and Dr. DeSimini, specialize in making dental exams as gentle as possible. We use child-friendly language, soothing tones, and techniques, such as “Tell-Show-Do” and verbal distractions, to make the examination process less intimidating.‍
• Educational Experience: We believe in educating our young patients and parents about good oral hygiene in a fun and understandable way. Our team takes extra time to teach your child about brushing, flossing, diet, and the importance of taking care of their teeth.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Dental Exam

1. A Warm Welcome: After you walk in through the front office door, you will receive a friendly greeting and check-in from our front-office coordinator, Tina. Sometimes Tina will invite the children to draw a picture with provided paper and crayons to put up on our picture wall. She may even have your child or children help her feed the fish. Dr. Espinosa, Dr. DeSimini, or Dental Assistant Icelya will come greet you in the front office and escort your family into your designated room. ‍
2. Visual Exam: Dr. Espinosa and Dr. DeSimini will go over recent medical and dental history and take in any concerns that you may have about your child’s habits and oral health. Our Pediatric dentists will gently examine your child's teeth, gums, and bite, looking for any signs of pathology, infection, or areas that need attention.‍
3. Cleaning and Polishing: A gentle cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar build-up will be performed followed by a dental polishing for a bright smile.‍
4. Fluoride Treatment: After oral hygiene instruction, dental cleaning, and flossing,  fluoride varnish is applied to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities. ‍
5. Radiographs: Depending on your child’s age, clinical presentation, and cavity risk, dental x-rays may be advised. We have a digital x-ray system that requires less radiation and we use the smallest sensors available on the market. After the x-rays, Dr. Espinosa and Dr. DeSimini will go over the images with the parent and patient which can be exciting for the children to see.‍
6. Parent Consultation: We discuss our findings with you, offering advice and answering any questions you may have about your child's oral health and continued cavity prevention.

Why Choose Us?

• Specialized Pediatric Care: Dr. Espinosa and Dr. DeSimini are Board Certified Pediatric Dentists by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Our team is specifically trained in pediatric dentistry, ensuring the best care for your child's unique dental needs.‍
• Stress-Free Visits: We prioritize making dental visits stress-free and fun, helping your child feel confident and secure. Sometimes we may need to slow down the process and separate the appointment into several appointments to ease an anxious or fearful child into the regular dental care process. We individualize every child’s experience to help protect the child’s developing psyche and promote a positive dental clinic experience.
• ‍Comprehensive Services: From routine exams to more complex dental procedures, we offer a wide range of services tailored for babies, toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, and children with special needs.