The first dental visit.

The recommended age for the first dental visit seems to vary among and within the professions. Unfortunately, the first visit often is prompted by clinical caries or dental trauma. The purpose of this paper is to provide guidelines for examining the toddler and information to be offered to parents during the consultation. Early identification and intervention for children with high caries risk, education of other health professionals and parents with preventive strategies, and the establishment of a relationship with a dentist prior to a traumatic injury should be mutual goals.