When your kids get to be about three, it's time for their first visit to the dentist. After recently attending an Open House (pictured left) for Dr. Clint Worton's new practice , Kirkland Children's Dentistry, we decided to give it a try with our twin daughters. The girls are very shy and had never been to the dentist before, so I didn't set my hopes too high that we'd get through an entire appointment seamlessly. As a mother of three, I try to keep things simple so that I can keep a handle on my sanity. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. On this particular day I was in luck.
The office is conveniently located at 620 Kirkland Way (Suite 102) which is right near the post office and Kirkland Park Place. Our appt was at 8am and we had no problems finding a parking spot right outside the door so I could easily shuffle my whole crew in. Inside, everything is new and contemporary right down to the little toddler-sized waiting room equipped with Nemo on the flat panel TV and toys to play with. It was pretty nice because we had the whole place to ourselves and never felt rushed- everyone was focused on making sure that the girls had a positive experience.
First, they let Shandi (pic right) the dental assistant brush and floss their teeth. They got to watch in the mirror and stand on a little step that makes the sinks just their size. She has a great and
easy-going way with kids. Not to mention a goody bag full of floss, toothbrushes and stickers which put Shandi in their good graces instantly. She cleaned their teeth and gave them a fluoride treatment with no problem, explaining each item, sound and taste in a manner that children can understand. Dr. Worton was very approachable and the girls were proud to let him inspect their freshly sparkled teeth. He even helped keep one sister (and little brother) at ease while the other was in the chair.
Dr. Clint Worton has been in practice for six years before recently going out on his own. He attended the University of TX San Antonio Dental School and then completed his specialty training in pediatrics at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. His focus is on preventative care and he prides himself on open communication and parent involvement in decisions. Dr. Worton's partner, Dr. Darin Vierra is an orthodontist which I know my kids will be needing to see eventually, so it's a convenient teaming for parents too.
Office hours are Mondays 8-5, Tues & Weds 7-4 and they can be reached at 425-822-2500. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist, Dr. Worton is more than happy to do a 'meet & greet' with you so you can get to know him, check out the office and ask any questions that you may have. He's also available to do presentations or have school field trips to his office to help educate children about oral health. Happy brushing! ~Janis
This is a great and very thourough post about this office. I am going to refer a friend in your area there.
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Posted by: Ed | September 24, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Great post,
An enjoyable read!
SG
Posted by: Stephen Godfrey | October 01, 2008 at 05:30 AM
I have 2 son's age 2 and 5. They are patients of Dr. Clint's. The LOVE his office and I do also. I searched especially for a pediatric dentist because of the specialty and the atmosphere. I can't imagine having my kids go anyplace else. I was sure that my older son would be scared. His first visit was at 4 years old. I put off his first visit because our insurance at the time didn't offer a pediatric dentist and the kids were expected to sit in my lap in an adult chair!
If you're looking for a dentist that will make your kids laugh and put them at ease. Give Dr. Clint a call. My son asked me the other day when he gets to go and see Dr. Clint again. How would have ever thought a kid would ask THAT question?
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Posted by: gavin | July 12, 2010 at 04:23 AM
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Posted by: Norma Dieterle | January 05, 2011 at 11:22 PM
very good article !
Posted by: Sonosurgery | January 25, 2011 at 03:18 AM
It's great to know that your kids have a very nice experience on their first visit to the dentist. I'm glad reading your article and your very nice review on the clinic.
Posted by: Dallas Pediatric Dentist | February 15, 2011 at 06:37 AM
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There are also a lot of dentists here in Colorado Springs, and we were able to find one that is friendly and trustworthy. My daugther just turned three and she was amazing on her first dental check-up. The dentist surely knows how to work with kids, and after all the cleaning and flossing, she got to take home a pink dinosaur toothbrush and mini-toothpaste.
Shandi was cooperative on her visit as well, and she's well on her way to healthier teeth. Here in Colorado, my kids and I are also confident of our dentist.
Posted by: Ed McGoldrick | February 16, 2011 at 08:31 PM
Nice dentist story! Well, I believe that poor dental health may cause heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and pneumonia. I've heard a lot of stories regarding this issue. That's why I see to it that my kids' dental health is primarily taken care of through regular visits to the office of our dentist in LA. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jenna Schrock | February 22, 2011 at 10:15 PM
It's great to know that your kids have a very nice experience on their first visit to the dentist.
I'm glad reading your article and your very nice review on the clinic.
Posted by: lou from Oklahoma City Pediatric Dentist | February 25, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Our smile is the first thing other people will notice in us. We can change other people people's moods and cheer them up when we smile because it's contagious. So, smile is vital in interacting with people around us.
That is why proper attention to our oral health is very essential. We should be more concern on our teeth to be more confident to smile, thus, making it more sincere. Visiting a dentist on a daily basis is needed to achieve this. If we have noticed that there is something wrong with our teeth, immediately consult a dentist for actions, thus, avoiding complications.
Posted by: Armil@dallas pediatric dentist | March 24, 2011 at 10:32 AM
Excellent article, I know a few people who prefer freelance blogging to more traditional freelance writing jobs. It’s nice to hear one feedback and tips from someone who’s doing it.
Posted by: dentist watchung nj | June 02, 2011 at 06:20 AM
Pediatric dentist helps to ease children’s fears and worries as they step in a dental clinic. Interacting first with children is a very good strategy to get their trust and educating them about the whole process is a very effective way to avoid dental stress.
Posted by: Joel Jackson | June 24, 2011 at 05:45 AM
The ability to easily get along with kids is a social skill that can be developed with practice. A good pediatric dentist knows how to respond to nonverbal cues and seize every opportunity to build trust with the child.
Posted by: Darrin Husak | November 11, 2011 at 01:57 PM
a school field trip is a great idea. i think that schools should have that as a mandatory day in the curriculum.
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