Toddler and Child Dental Program, aka Toddler Day at the Dentist Program

Yesterday was another great day for our toddler and child dental program. Thank you for all the wonderful children and families that came out to introduce their children (most for the first time) to dentistry.

It has been almost two years since the start of our Toddler Day at the Dentist Program and I must say it has been a great two years of meeting toddlers and their families. We have seen hundreds of little ones since the program has started and plan on seeing hundreds more.

I believe our dental program is the first of it's kind in Toronto. We are the first free dental program that introduces toddlers and young children to dentistry in a way that encourages the child to build a positive association with their dental health care providers.  We don't have any special tricks up our sleeves, we simply enjoy children and have developed child and parent friendly dental education so it takes the fear away from dentistry.

Each child is an individual who deserves compassion and understanding. With this in mind, upon introduction of the child to the dental office, dental equipment and team members we use different dental teaching methods for each child. For those who are nervous we may have the parent assist us in the introduction to ease into becoming comfortable in a new environment. After many years of working with kids I have come to realize one method does not work for all and our child dental program takes this into account.

I am sorry this blogpost has turned into talking just about the great pride I take in our child dental program but we (meaning my team and I) feel that after two years of running it is truly making a difference to many young children and their first experience in dentistry. Thank you to all the children and parents who trust us to make dentistry different for the next generation!

Nathan