• 22 Arnold Mall Arnold, MO 63010
Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold

New Patients

Welcome to Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold

Your Child’s First Visit

We’re excited to meet your child and help them start their dental journey on a positive note. We know that the first visit to the dentist can feel a little uncertain, so we’ve designed our process to be welcoming, calm, and even fun.
During your child’s first appointment, we focus on getting to know them and building trust. There’s no pressure, no scary surprises, and no overwhelming procedures. We want your child to leave feeling confident and looking forward to their next visit.

Before Your Appointment

When you call or book online, our team will ask you a few basic questions about your child’s health history. We’ll also send you our new patient forms to complete before your visit. Having this information ready helps us use your appointment time more efficiently.
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During the First Visit

Your first visit typically lasts about 45 minutes. Here’s what happens: We start by spending time with your child in a calm, non-threatening way. We use simple, easy-to-understand language to explain what we’re doing. There are no big, scary words or complicated descriptions.
Dr. Matt will gently examine your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth. We check for any signs of decay, bite issues, or other concerns. We take digital X-rays if needed, which use minimal radiation and help us catch any problems early.
We’ll talk with you about your child’s oral health, answer any questions, and discuss any preventive care or treatment needs. If your child needs additional work, we’ll explain options clearly and work with you to find the best approach.
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After the Appointment

Your child gets to choose a prize from our treasure box. We want them to leave with a smile and positive memories about their visit to the dentist.
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Our “Under the Sea” Environment

Kids do better when they’re relaxed and comfortable. That’s why we’ve created a fun, themed treatment space that feels more like an adventure than a dental office.

Our “under the sea” design helps take children’s minds off procedures and into an imaginative place. Combined with Disney+ on the tablets we provide, most kids leave thinking about the movie they watched, not the cleaning they had.

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Preparing Your Child

Talk About It Positively

Let your child know what to expect in simple, positive terms. You might say: "We're going to visit the dentist to count your teeth and make sure they're healthy and strong. Dr. Matt has a cool office with fun decorations."

Avoid Scary Language

Don't use words like "shot," "pain," "drill," or "hurt." Instead, we use phrases like "sleepy jelly," "tooth cleaning," and "polishing." This makes a big difference in how kids perceive the visit.

Keep It Light

Avoid making it seem like a big deal or something to worry about. The more matter-of-fact you are, the more relaxed your child will be.

Arrive a Few Minutes Early

This gives your child time to get comfortable with the office and meet our team before the appointment starts.

What Families Are Saying

“I came with my 3 year old daughter to have her teeth cleaned for the first time. They were pretty heavily stained (iron staining) and they did a fabulous job!! Her teeth look beautiful! They were so gentle and so kind and friendly!! They did a fantastic job interacting with my daughter and making her feel at ease. I will recommend them to all my friends with young children!”
Jacky George
“We recently switched to this office and are EXTREMELY HAPPY that we did! Everyone is very kind, from the front desk, hygienist, dentist, to checkout! I’d give more than 5 stars if it allowed!”
Cyndi Luttrell
“Every single staff member was wonderful. From the front desk to the doctor and everyone in between. Very professional, very sweet, my kids very much enjoyed the experience. And as someone who hates going to the dentist I'm so glad to have found a place my kids don't hate going!”
Iva Harbison

Commonly Asked Questions

When should my child have their first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first visit around age one or when their first tooth comes in. Even if your child is older, it’s never too late to start. We welcome new patients of all ages.
No special preparation is needed. Just have your child brush as they normally would that morning. We’ll do a thorough cleaning during the visit.
This is completely normal. Our entire office is designed to help anxious children feel comfortable. Dr. Matt has experience working with children who are nervous, and we take things at your child’s pace. Let us know about any concerns when you book, and we’ll do everything we can to help.
We typically recommend dental visits every six months for children. This helps us catch any issues early and keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. We’ll discuss what’s best for your child based on their individual needs.
We use digital X-rays when needed to check for cavities, monitor tooth development, and ensure overall oral health. Digital X-rays use minimal radiation and are safe for children. We’ll only take them if necessary and will always explain why.
If treatment is needed, we’ll explain it in simple terms and walk you through what to expect. We use gentle techniques and keep your child’s comfort as our priority. We’re happy to discuss options and answer all your questions.
Yes, we accept most major dental insurance plans. When you call to schedule, let us know your insurance provider and we can verify your coverage. We’ll also discuss any out-of-pocket costs upfront so there are no surprises.

How to Schedule

Ready to get started? Contact us to book your child’s first appointment.
Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold
22 Arnold Mall, Arnold, MO 63010
(314) 230-8615

Call us or visit our website to schedule. We look forward to welcoming your family and helping your child start a lifetime of healthy smiles.