Your Child's First Visit
You have paid us the greatest compliment by allowing us to provide dental care for your infant, child, or teenager.
When should we come in?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that your toddler visit the dentist 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth. Although this might seem young, it is extremely important that newly erupted primary teeth receive proper dental care from the very beginning.
You can help make the first visit enjoyable and positive. Please review our list of DO'S and DON'TS under Frequently Asked Questions to help set the stage for a successful dental visit.
What happens at the visit
- A complete examination performed by Dr. Yip
- Digital radiographs of your child's teeth, as needed (ultra-low radiation)
- A professional cleaning and gentle fluoride treatment
- A consultation with you to address any concerns or questions
While you visit our rainforest themed office, your child is welcome to enjoy our animal exhibits, numerous toys, video games, and movies over the dental chairs. You are welcome to accompany your child or just sit back with a beverage and websurf in our reception area.
Sheldon's Big Rainforest Smile
Prepare your little one before their appointment! Read our cute interactive picture book together to meet Sheldon the Turtle, Tiki the Tree Frog, and Hamilton the Lizard as they explore the flying chair, silly Mr. Thirsty, and the little tooth mirror.
What We Look for at Each Stage
Every child's smile is on its own unique journey. Here is what Dr. Yip focuses on at each developmental milestone:
Toddler Stage Infants & Ages 1–3
Early visits establish positive dental memories and help prevent problems before they begin:
- Early tooth eruption & spacing milestones
- Checking for baby bottle tooth decay and enamel health
- Gum and soft tissue health (tongue & lip mobility)
- Guidance on pacifiers, thumb-sucking, and cup habits
- Parent coaching on gentle brushing and teething comfort
Child Stage Ages 4–11
As permanent teeth arrive, preventive care and healthy bite development take center stage:
- Cavity screening and monitoring the shedding of baby teeth
- Guiding the eruption of 6-year and 12-year permanent molars
- Protective dental sealants on vulnerable molar grooves
- Bite alignment, jaw growth, and early orthodontic evaluation
- Brushing and flossing habits, plus sports mouthguard protection
Teen Stage Ages 12 & Up
Teenagers face distinct dental considerations, from wisdom teeth to active lifestyles:
- Third molar (wisdom teeth) evaluation and impaction tracking
- In-office wisdom teeth extractions with comfortable IV sedation (specialized care with our experienced visiting dental surgeon)
- Orthodontic alignment progress, retainer care, and bite stability
- Enamel defense against sports drinks, soda, and acidic snacks
- Custom sports mouthguards and teen oral hygiene independence
New Patient Forms
Save time on the day of your visit by completing our new patient forms online. Registration, insurance, dental and medical history, and our office policies are all in one secure form — no printing, no clipboards.
Complete New Patient Forms Online
Prefer paper? Call (503) 697-GRIN (4746) and we'll be glad to help. Completed paper forms can be brought in, faxed to (503) 635-0035, or mailed to 18676 Willamette Dr. Ste. 301, West Linn, OR 97068.
- Registration Information & Insurance required Included online
- Child Medical & Dental History required Included online
- Financial Policy required Included online
- Notice of Privacy Practices (for your information only) Read online
- Acknowledgement of Receipt of Privacy Notice Included online
- Release of Records (for existing patients moving away) WordPDF