Allen D. McCorkle, D.D.S 25 South Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601 <MAP> (540) 667-4880 E-mail: admccork@shentel.net

Letter of Welcome

Dear Parent:

Welcome! It is our pleasure to welcome you and your child to our practice of pediatric dental care. We choose to work with children because a child with a healthy mouth has great potential to achieve a healthy mouth as an adult. Therefore, everything we do is designed to make every visit a valuable growing experience. Dental visits can be frightening for some children, just as it is for many adults. But if all of us will be patient, understanding, and firm, we can help your child avoid and overcome most dental fears. So, a few days before your appointment, talk with your child about the visit in the same manner that you would talk with him or her about going to school. Avoid phrases like "the doctor won 't hurt you," or "it won't hurt, " or words like "shot," "drill," and "needle." Suggest to your child to think about trying to help even when some procedures may be difficult for him. If your child cries, do not be disappointed in your child, yourself, or us. This is a common response to a new and different situation. We will give your child lots of praise and TLC.

Every visit is unique, but here is what you can expect with your first visit. We will review your child's health history form to prepare for your child's visit. After the receptionist greets you, a dental assistant will meet you in the reception room and guide you and your child through the visit. The visit will last a little over an hour. Your dental assistant will "introduce" your child to our friends, Mr. Goose (oral suction), Mrs. Vacuum, and others. We will tell them what the equipment is, show them how it works, and demonstrate how we do it. Then we may take "pictures" of his teeth, with Mr. Camera and film paper to bite on. While your child is Iying down, Dr. McCorkle will "count" their teeth with Mr. Tooth Counter, Mr. Mirror and Mrs. Sunshine. If no treatment is needed, your dental assistant will clean your child's teeth. Fluoride may be applied. Treatment will not start until the second appointment. You and your child will learn how new behaviors (preventive procedures and eating choices) will improve their smile.

Both parents are encouraged to accompany their child throughout the visit, particularly as we discuss what treatments and behaviors we must work on. Please give the enclosed card to your child. Directions to our office are on the back. Parking is free in the Fairfax-Cameron lot next to the building. The entrance to the building is in the back, and our office is on the second floor. If you need to change your appointment, please call in advance so someone else can use your spot. Fill out and return the enclosed health history form. The consent must be signed by the child's parent or guardian. If your child has seen another dentist, please have that dentist mail us your child's x-rays. The fee for the first visit is usually $49 to $129, depending on your child's needs. You are requested to pay at the time of the visit. See the "Welcome To Our Office" brochure for more payment information.

Thank you for calling our practice of pediatric dental care. Please call if you have any questions.

Warmly yours,

Allen D. McCorkle, D.D.S. and Staff

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