What to Expect During Your First Appointment With Dr. Kurt Sturz
A first dental visit can feel big, for kids and parents alike. Knowing what will happen ahead of time takes away most of the nerves. Here is a walkthrough of a first appointment with Dr. Kurt Sturz in Bakersfield, so you and your child can arrive relaxed and ready.
Meet Dr. Sturz
Dr. Kurt Sturz opened his pediatric practice in 2006 to give the children of Kern County a safe, welcoming place to get dental care. He later teamed up with his dental school roommate, Dr. Chad Abby, who moved to Bakersfield in 2009. The two share a vision for how children’s dentistry should feel, and in 2015 their practice became Sturz & Abby Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.
Together, the doctors are board-certified pediatric dentists with more than 30 years of combined experience. Their approach is simple. Every child is unique, and trust comes first.
When Should the First Visit Happen?
Most children should have their first dental visit around their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in. That can sound early, but the goal at this stage isn’t treatment. It is helping your child get comfortable with the office, the people, and the sights and sounds of a dental visit.
Before You Arrive
A little preparation makes the appointment smoother:
- Fill out your forms in advance. Patient forms are available on the practice website, so you can skip the clipboard at the front desk.
- Gather medical details. Bring a list of your child’s medications, allergies, and health conditions.
- Bring insurance information. The team can help you understand your coverage.
- Keep the talk positive. Describe the visit as a chance to meet a friendly tooth helper. Avoid words like “pain” or “shot.”
What Happens in the Exam Room
Your child’s first appointment is gentle and unhurried. Expect it to go like this:
- A warm welcome. The team starts by getting to know your child, because a comfortable child is a cooperative one.
- A medical history review. Dr. Sturz goes over your child’s health history and any concerns you have.
- A thorough exam. He checks your child’s teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development. X-rays are taken only if they are needed.
- A cleaning. Most first visits include a gentle cleaning, and the team shows your child how brushing works.
- Hygiene coaching. You’ll get practical tips on brushing, flossing, and limiting sugary snacks and drinks.
In most cases, no treatment is performed at a first visit. That is intentional, since the point is to build a positive first impression. Parents are welcome to stay with their child during the first visit and exam.
Looking Ahead to Orthodontic Needs
Part of a first exam is watching how your child’s mouth is developing. Crowding, bite problems, and jaw growth patterns can often be spotted early, long before braces would be needed. Parents sometimes notice an extra row of teeth coming in behind baby teeth, often called “shark teeth.” This happens in roughly 10% of children and usually resolves on its own, but it is worth mentioning at your visit.
If your child may eventually need braces, it helps to know the care is close by. Families searching for an orthodontist in Bakersfield can find both pediatric dentistry and orthodontic treatment under one roof, so your child sees familiar faces throughout their growing years.
Ready to Schedule?
If you’re thinking about booking, the next step is easy. You can request an appointment through the website, and the team will follow up with a few options. If you have questions first, feel free to contact us by phone at (661) 588-2525, and a friendly team member will help.
When you’re ready to visit our dental clinic, you’ll find us at 9860 Brimhall Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93312. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
A great first visit sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy smiles. With a caring, experienced pediatric dentist like Dr. Sturz, your child can learn early that the dentist is a friend.
