Earlier than most parents expect. The general guidance in Canada is a first visit around a child's first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. That early appointment is short and mostly about a look and a conversation, but it establishes the routine and lets us catch anything unusual while it is still small.

Tell us when you book so we can allow extra time. It also helps to keep your own language neutral at home, describing the visit as a check rather than reassuring them it will not hurt, since that plants the idea that it might. For a very anxious child, we are happy to do a short visit where nothing is treated at all, just to get familiar with the room.

Often, yes. We offer direct billing and can submit your claim electronically, so you generally are not paying the full amount up front. If your family qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, we are a participating provider and bill Sun Life directly. Our fees follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

For most children, every six months works well. Some need to be seen more often, usually where there is a history of decay or where teeth are crowded and harder to clean. We will tell you what we recommend for your child specifically, and why, rather than applying one schedule to everyone.