DD accompanied me to my checkup yesterday morning.  Our dentist recommended that she do this, and have a mini-visit with the hygienist after observing my exam.  We prepared by talking about the dentist, and reading a book about Dora the Explorer going to see the dentist.

DD sat patiently in a chair, watching my cleaning and exam, and practically leapt into the chair when I was done!  She was perfectly relaxed as the chair was positioned, and she opened her mouth as BIG as possible without being asked.  All they did was count her teeth (she has 10 on top and 10 on the bottom), but she got a sticker & they let her pick a new toothbrush to take home.  Most importantly, she has healthy gums and teeth.

The hygienist said they usually don't start seeing kids before age 4, because they're not ready for the experience, but DD has her next appointment in February, before her next birthday.  Since they hygienist mentioned age 4, DD is disappointed; she thinks she's being denied the full privilege of seeing the dentist because she's too young!

If you talk with her about the dentist, please don't tell her she's brave...as of now, it's a privilege and there's nothing scary to be "brave" about.