First Visit to the Dentist

I have to admit I was worried.  I was worried that this would be a difficult experience for Dexter, that he'd have a cavity, that he'd be turned off to dentists for life. We framed his upcoming dental visit as an exciting "big boy" adventure but Dexter declared that he doesn't like dentists and didn't want to go. By the morning of the appointment, he seemed to have warmed to the idea.

When we got to the office, the dentist explained what they were going to do (x-rays, cleaning, exam) and that they would bring Dexter back to the examination room without us. I felt conflicted: relieved that I wouldn't be there but sad that I couldn't "help" him through this.  Dexter headed off without us without any fuss.

We waited for screaming that never came. Twenty minutes later, Dexter ran into the waiting room excited about his new toothbrush, stickers, and a toy! The dental assistant gave us a perfect report in his behavior and the dentist gave us a perfect report on his teeth. The dentist recommended getting rid of the sippy cups so Dexy and I are off to Target to pick out some new cups.