Show
First, we show your child each tool and let them see it up close: the little mirror, the “tooth counter,” the “sleepy juice straw.” Curiosity replaces fear.
New Patients · Your First Visit
A first visit kids actually look forward to.
We know a first dental visit can feel big for the child and the grown-up. So we slow it down. No surprises, no scary words, and a board-certified pediatric specialist guiding every step. Here’s exactly what to expect.
The gentle method
Show, tell, do, so nothing is a surprise.
Our specialists are trained in child psychology for exactly this. Every step is introduced before it happens, in kid-friendly words, at your child’s pace. We never rush, and we never spring anything on a child.
Tell
Then we tell them what each thing does, using friendly word translations instead of clinical terms, so a child always knows what’s coming next.
Do
Only then do we do the step, gently and with lots of encouragement. Most kids are amazed at how easy it turns out to be.
Step by step
What a first visit looks like.
Most first visits run about 45 minutes. Here’s the general shape of the day. Your specialist will tailor it to your child’s age and comfort.
1 · A warm welcome
You’re greeted by name, and your child meets our team in a bright, dinosaur-themed space built to feel like a place for kids, not a clinic. We go over your paperwork and any worries you have.
2 · A gentle exam
Your child’s pediatric specialist counts teeth, checks growth and bite, and looks for anything that needs attention, narrating every step in friendly words as they go.
3 · A happy cleaning
A gentle cleaning, polish, and (when it’s right for your child) fluoride. We move at their pace and celebrate every bit of bravery.
4 · A plan & a prize
We sit down with you, answer questions, and lay out a clear plan if anything’s needed. Then your child raids the Toy Tower. And yes, there are slushies.
For the grown-ups
A few tips that make the first visit even smoother.
You set the tone more than anyone. A little prep goes a long way, and our team is happy to help with the rest.
- Keep it positive and simple. A cheerful “the dentist counts your teeth and you get a prize” beats a long explanation. And please skip the words “hurt,” “shot,” or “drill.”
- Pick a good time of day. A well-rested, recently-fed child has a far better visit. Morning often works best for little ones.
- Bring a comfort item. A favorite stuffed animal or blanket is always welcome, and it can even get a turn in the chair.
- Arrive a few minutes early. Time to fill out new-patient paperwork and let your child settle into the space.
- Bring your insurance card. So our team can help you understand your coverage before treatment.
- Let us lead the nervous moments. If your child gets anxious, that’s exactly what our specialists are trained for, including sedation options for kids who need them.
When to start
The first visit is younger than most parents expect.
Pediatric dentists generally recommend a first dental visit by a child’s first birthday, or when that first tooth appears. Early visits keep little smiles healthy and make the dentist a familiar, friendly place from the very start.
We care for infants and toddlers right through the teen years. And with a board-certified orthodontist on staff, braces and pediatric care happen under one roof, with the same team you already trust.
Made for every kind of kid
- Infants, toddlers, and first-tooth checkups
- Anxious kids, with gentle pacing and sedation options when needed
- Children with special needs
- Spanish-speaking families: se habla español
Insurance & payment
A straightforward note on coverage.
We want the money part to be as clear as the clinical part. No surprises there either.
Bring your card
Bring your dental insurance information to your first visit and our front-desk team will help you understand your benefits before any treatment is planned.
We’ll walk you through it
We’ll explain what’s typically covered, give you a clear picture of any out-of-pocket estimate, and answer your questions before you decide on anything.
Just ask
Not sure if we work with your plan? Call (913) 649-KIDS and we’ll help you sort it out before you come in.
Coverage varies by plan and changes over time, so please contact us to confirm your specific benefits. We’d rather give you an accurate answer than a generic one.
Who you’ll meet
A board-certified pediatric specialist at every visit.
This isn’t a general dentist who also sees kids. Every doctor here trained for years specifically in caring for children, with children’s-hospital-level credentials. That’s the quiet reassurance behind all the fun.
Diplomate, ABPD
Dr. Donna Thomas
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Nicole Hawkinson
Pediatric Dentist
Diplomate, ABPD
Dr. Claudia Lopez
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Board-Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Frank Crist
Board-Certified Orthodontist
Ready when you are
Let’s make their first visit a great one.
One phone number, four Kansas City offices, the same specialist team. Book a first visit and we’ll take it from there — gently.