Your Child’s First Visit

What to expect, step by step

Every child is different, but most first visits follow these friendly steps.

1. Arrive and say hello

   Parking is in the rear. Come in through the red door, where our front desk team will welcome you and your child. Take a look around: our waiting room is plaid, and the castle is known as Castle Plaid-A-Lot.

2. Meet your child’s dental team

   We talk to children in kid-friendly language. We explain what we are going to do, show it, and then do it (we call this “tell-show-do”), so nothing is a surprise.

3. A gentle exam

   The dentist counts the teeth and checks the gums, bite, and jaw growth, and looks at habits such as thumb sucking or pacifier use. For babies and toddlers, we keep the exam gentle and simple. We will talk with you about whether X-rays are needed.

4. Cleaning and brushing tips

   Depending on your child’s age and teeth, the team may gently clean them. We will talk with you about brushing, fluoride, and what to expect as your child grows.

5. Talk with the doctor

   The dentist shares what they found, answers your questions, and gives simple tips for brushing, flossing, snacks, and habits. If your child needs any treatment, we will explain the plan with you first.

Who you may meet

Kid-1 was founded in 1999 by Dr. James Jennings, DDS and is owned by Dr. Maureen Davis, DMD, a board-certified pediatric dentist. Your child may see any of our dentists, and our hygienist and assistants are there to help, too.

• Pediatric dentistsDr. Maureen Davis (owner), Dr. James Jennings (founder, who still sees patients one or two days a month), Dr. Sameha Abdulbaki, and Dr. Sireesha Kodali. Each is trained in caring for infants, children, teens, and kids with special needs.
• General dentistDr. Sandy Rodney, who loves treating pediatric patients and speaks Haitian Creole and Spanish.
• Dental hygienistRodrigo Lazcano, who helps with gentle cleanings and brushing tips.
• Everyone elseOur dental assistants and front desk team will greet you by name. Meet the whole team.

What to bring

Insurance and payment

Not sure what your plan covers? Call us and we will help verify your benefits.

We accept AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid)

We also accept most PPO plans, including:

• Delta Dental
• Cigna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Principal
• UnitedHealthcare
• United Concordia
• GEHA
• Aetna
• MetLife
• Humana
• and many more

We offer multiple payment options. See services and insurance details.

What to expect at every age

We care for patients from infants through teens and young adults. Here is what each stage looks like.

• Babies

  First tooth to age 1

  • Come by the first birthday, or sooner if you see a problem.
  • A simple, gentle exam to get baby used to the dentist.
  • Tips on cleaning gums and new teeth, teething, and bedtime bottles and nursing.

• Toddlers

  Ages 1 to 3

  • Helping your child get comfortable with the dental chair.
  • Brushing help, a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, and flossing where teeth touch.
  • A check on thumb sucking or pacifier habits. Most children outgrow them by about ages 2 to 4, and we will talk with you if the habit continues.

• Preschoolers

  Ages 3 to 5

  • Regular cleanings, usually every six months.
  • X-rays if they are indicated.
  • Pea-sized fluoride toothpaste, and treating cavities early, even in baby teeth.

• School-age kids

  Ages 6 to 12

  • Watching baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in (yes, “shark teeth” are normal).
  • Preventive care such as fluoride and sealants.
  • Mouthguard advice for sports.

• Teens and young adults

  Ages 13 and up

  • Continued checkups and cleanings with a dentist who knows your history.
  • Habits that matter for teens, from sugary drinks to sports mouthguards.
  • Teens are welcome to ask their own questions.

• Children with special needs

  Any age

  • Extra training and extra compassion for complex medical, sensory, or developmental needs.
  • Appointment timing and treatment plans tailored to your child.
  • A wheelchair-friendly office.

Tips for nervous kids

A little preparation goes a long way. Dental nerves are normal, and we are used to them.

• Keep it positiveTalk about the dentist as a helper who keeps teeth strong. Skip words like “hurt,” “shot,” or “drill.”
• Play dentist at homeCount your child’s teeth with a toothbrush or let a stuffed animal go first. Practice “open wide!”
• Read a book togetherPicture books about first dental visits make the visit feel familiar.
• Stay calm yourselfKids pick up on our feelings. A relaxed, cheerful parent helps a child feel safe.
• Bring a comfort itemA favorite stuffed animal or blanket can help your child relax in the chair.
• Tell us what worries themShare any fears, past experiences, or sensory needs. We can slow down, explain more, or adjust the visit.
• Skip the bribesPromising a treat can make the visit sound scary. Praise your child’s bravery afterward instead.
• Ask about comfort optionsIf your child needs extra help, we can talk about nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or other sedation options. They are used only when needed.

Find us