Building trust, one visit at a time

For some children, walking into a dental office for the first time is a lot: new sights, new sounds, new people. Desensitization visits give them time to get comfortable before any treatment. At Brave Kids Dental Co., our desensitization visits in Sandy, UT gently introduce your child to our office, helping reduce anxiety over time.

What is a desensitization visit?

A desensitization visit is a gentle, no-pressure visit designed to help your child become familiar with our office, our team and our tools. Each visit builds on the last, so the dentist slowly becomes a place your child knows, instead of a place they fear.

Who are they for?

• Children with special needs, including autism and sensory processing differences
• Kids with dental anxiety or fear
• Children who had a difficult dental experience before
• Any child who needs a little more time to feel safe

No diagnosis is required. If your child would benefit, they're welcome.

What happens during a visit

Every visit is shaped around your child. Depending on what they're ready for, a visit might include:

• Walking in, exploring the office and following the sea turtles on the floor
• Playing with the toys and spending time in our cozy, quiet nook
• Meeting the team and Dr. Vy
• Seeing and touching dental tools in simple, hands-on ways
• Sitting in the chair, trying the headphones or a weighted lap pad
• Opening for a quick look or counting teeth, if your child is ready

Is there a cost?

It depends on the visit. If the visit is simply for your child to see the practice, play with the toys and get to know the team and Dr. Vy, there's no charge. If the visit needs chair time with our team and Dr. Vy, there is a fee, and we'll always tell you upfront.

How many visits will my child need?

Every child is different. Some feel ready after one visit, others need several. We go at your child's pace and celebrate every step, no matter how small. There's never pressure to "get it done."

Why desensitization works

• Familiarity reduces fear. Knowing the space and the people makes future visits feel safe.
• Kids feel in control. Our Montessori-inspired approach offers choices and lets children explore at their own pace.
• Positive memories build up. Good experiences now help shape how your child feels about dental care for life.
• Treatment becomes easier. When your child is ready, care like cleanings and exams can go more smoothly.

What comes next

Once your child feels comfortable, we plan their dental care together with you, at a level of comfort that works for them. For children who still need extra support, we can talk about laughing gas or other sedation options.

A tip for parents

Tell us what helps your child feel calm and what to avoid. Bring a favorite toy, blanket or their own headphones, and keep the visit low-key at home: "We're going to visit Sandy the turtle and see the office." There's nothing your child has to do.