Teens (13-18 years old): 
First Dental Visit with Dr. Beth

Working with teens is a super fun segment of my practice because they typically present with all of their permanent, adult teeth, but many are still very much learning about how to take care of themselves and require support from parents to maintain and manage their health. I enjoy working with this group, one for our own entertainment, because it seems the older we get, the more foreign their lingo, preferences, and IT IQ seem to be ;) But more seriously, we like joining the team of adults who are helping to coach and teach these kids in preparation for their next phase of life. As a dentist, this includes things as simple as showing them how to avoid having bad breath to building their self esteem by moving their teeth into proper alignment and giving them a smile of which they can be proud; it can include discussions on oral cancer screenings, proper nutrition, and how to create good habits and why those are so important. 

​

We see ourselves as a collaborative partner with parents, teachers, coaches, physicians, and other key leaders in your child's life to help them feel supported and enjoy this phase of life. More specific to their dental visit, it will be very similar to an adult's visit as far as records taken and overall objectives, but other key topics that we will cover include:

• What to do in the case of dental trauma to help themselves or a friend (30% of children will experience some type of dental accident prior to the age of 18; and knowing what to do can make a huge difference in the prognosis) 

• Education on oral cancer self-screening (due to increased risk from HPV)

• Nutrition, hydration, sleep, and breathing health

• Oral hygiene routine

• Orthodontics and esthetics