What to Expect

Planning for your first visit.

At Montshire Pediatric Dentistry, we are excited to welcome you and your family! From the moment you walk through our doors, you can expect friendly, personalized attention from every member of our team. We understand that a child's first visit to the dentist can be a big deal, and we're dedicated to making it a positive and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Before your first visit...

Prior to your visit please gather the documents listed below. Then bring them along with you to your first appointment. This allows you to be fully present to support your child, without needing to complete paperwork or search for documents.

Completed Patient Forms: Fill out and sign all patient forms to expedite check-in.
Insurance Card / Information: If you are insured bring your current insurance card for verification and billing.
List of Current Medications and Medical Conditions: Be ready to list all medications and medical conditions to aid in providing the best possible care.
Most Recent X-rays: Bring recent x-rays (if you have them) for better assessment of dental health.

During your first visit...

Your first visit includes a comprehensive exam in which our doctor will talk to you about your dental and medical history and note any questions or concerns you may have. Please note that patients must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during all visits. We want to meet with both of you to discuss findings and treatments, and to address your questions and concerns.

Take Full Mouth X-rays: We'll take x-rays to spot any current issues and create a baseline for future visits. The American Dental Association recommends a full series every three years.
Oral Exam: We'll check your child's gum health, look for cavities, and assess the condition of any existing dental work.
Physical Exam: We'll perform a head and neck exam, checking salivary glands and lymph nodes for abnormalities, and screen for oral cancer and TMJ (jaw joint) issues.
Clean and Polish Teeth: This process removes plaque, tartar, and stains that regular brushing can’t. Our gentle approach ensures a comfortable experience.
Create a Care Plan: After the exam and cleaning, our doctor will discuss the findings, answer any questions, and create a regular checkup schedule and treatment plan if needed. If specialist care is required, we’ll provide a referral.

Testimonials

What makes Montshire special?
Our patients say it best.

"How many people can say they loved a trip to the dentist? I’m now one of them."

Jessica B.

"Compassionate, Skilled dental care. Can you imagine your child looking forward to seeing their dentist?"

Margaret K.

"I soooo appreciate the non-invasive approach they have. First dentist I’ve encountered that doesn’t want to do 10,000 things with my 6 year old’s baby teeth!"

Katie A.

"My daughter walked in crying and as we drove away asked if we can go to the dentist tomorrow. Thank you for making our experience so positive."

Stanley H.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know (almost).

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Guidelines your childs first dental visit should be scheduled when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday. At Montshire Pediatric Dentistry, we love getting to know you and your child as early as possible. Building a relationship with your child from a young age fosters trust and cooperation, setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Dental x-rays have been proven to be very safe for children. We have invested heavily in state-of-the-art digital radiography equipment which creates an easier, less intimidating experience for your child. This process also results in 3 to 4 times less radiation exposure for your children (less than they would be exposed to in a 1 hour plane ride), all while creating more accurate and real-time imaging! You may also notice that we no longer use lead aprons when taking dental x-rays. This is because the ADA now recommends against their use, as they can potentially trap radiation and increase exposure.
Minimally invasive dentistry focuses on preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. It involves using advanced techniques and materials to detect, diagnose, and treat dental issues in their earliest stages. This approach is less invasive than traditional dentistry, which often relies on more extensive treatments like fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals. By catching problems early and using targeted, conservative treatments, minimally invasive dentistry can help patients maintain their natural teeth for longer with less discomfort and expense.
To make the most of your child's first dental appointment, please come prepared with - 1) Filled-out patient forms (patient forms will be shared with you once you have scheduled your child’s appointment) 2) If you have insurance your insurance card/information 3) A list of your child's current medications and medical conditions 4) Your child's most recent dental x-rays (if you have them). By having these documents ready, you can be fully present to support your child during their first visit.
Baby teeth play a crucial role in your child's development, even though they are temporary. They help children chew properly, aiding in nutrition and digestive health. They also assist in speech development, allowing children to learn to form words and sounds correctly. Additionally, baby teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth, guiding them into the proper positions as they emerge. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to decay, infection, and premature loss, which may cause misalignment of permanent teeth. Additioanlly, regular dental care for baby teeth helps establish good oral hygiene habits and ensures a healthy smile for years to come.
At Montshire, we understand that many children feel anxious about visiting the dentist. That's why we're committed to creating a calming, positive experience for every child. We encourage parent involvement, prioritizing communication and education throughout each visit. Our doctors take the time to explain findings and treatment options thoroughly, ensuring that families feel informed and comfortable. We've designed our office with soothing colors, gentle art, and soft toys to create a playful yet relaxing atmosphere. By fostering a positive relationship with dental care from an early age, we aim to help children develop a lifelong commitment to oral health without fear or anxiety.
The name Montshire is a fusion of Vermont and New Hampshire, celebrating our early beginnings. As we have expanded we have been honored to be welcomed into additional communities that we now proudly serve. Montshire symbolizes not just our history, but also the principles that drive us to deliver outstanding care to an increasing number of families.

Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Your First Visit

Paying for Care

FAQ

Keene, NH

Claremont, NH

Sanford, ME

Henniker, NH

Amherst, NH

Dublin, NH

Rutland, VT

Choose a location

Keene, NH

Claremont, NH

Sanford, ME

Henniker, NH

Amherst, NH

Dublin, NH

Rutland, VT

Choose a location

Keene, NH

Claremont, NH

Sanford, ME

Henniker, NH

Amherst, NH

Dublin, NH

Rutland, VT

Planning for your first visit.

Before your first visit...

During your first visit...

What makes Montshire special?
Our patients say it best.

Everything you need to know (almost).

Keene, NH

Claremont, NH

Sanford, ME

Henniker, NH

Amherst, NH

Dublin, NH

Rutland, VT

Planning for your first visit.

Before your first visit...

During your first visit...

What makes Montshire special?Our patients say it best.

Everything you need to know (almost).

What makes Montshire special?
Our patients say it best.