Welcome to Sea Smiles, New Patients!
We’re So Excited to Meet Your Family
Thank you for choosing Sea Smiles as your child’s dental home! We’re honored by your trust and committed to making every visit a positive, comfortable experience. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your first appointment.
New Patients
Before Your First Visit
Schedule Your Appointment
Call us at (843) 815-5437 or request an appointment online. We offer flexible scheduling Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm.
Complete Patient Forms Online
Save time by filling out our new patient forms before your visit. This lets you focus on your child instead of paperwork.
Gather What You’ll Need
Insurance card (if applicable) - Child’s medical history - List of current medications - Photo ID for parent/guardian
Arrive 10-15 Minutes Early
This gives you time to check in, get comfortable, and let your child explore our kid-friendly office.
Child’s First Visit
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
01:
Office Tour
We’ll give you and your child a tour of our ocean-themed office so they can see it’s a fun, safe place.
02:
Meet the Dentist & Team
Dr. Shane or Dr. Candace will take time to get to know your child, talk, play, and build trust before the exam.
03:
Gentle Examination
We’ll gently examine your child’s teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues. For young children, we call it a “tooth count” to make it fun!
04:
X-Rays (If Needed)
We use NOMAD handheld digital X-rays—quick (5 minutes), low-radiation, and taken in the treatment chair.
05:
Cleaning (If Appropriate)
If your child is comfortable, we may perform a gentle cleaning. There’s no pressure—we only do what they’re ready for.
06:
Treatment Plan Discussion
We’ll discuss our findings, any treatment needed, preventive care recommendations, and answer all your questions.
New Patient Forms
Complete your forms before your visit to save time and make the appointment run smoothly.
Online Forms (Recommended)
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Making Dental Care Affordable
Membership Plan Available
Don’t have insurance? Our in-house membership plan starts at just $24/month for babies and includes cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, and 15-50% savings on additional procedures.
Insurance Accepted
We accept most major dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, MetLife, and more.
Not sure if we accept your insurance?
Call
(843) 815-5437 to verify.
Payment Options
We accept cash, checks, all major credit cards, and CareCredit® (special financing available).
Learn More About Insurance & Payment
PREPARING YOUR CHILD
Tips for a Positive First Visit
Use Positive Language
✓ Say: “The dentist will count your teeth and make sure they’re healthy!”
✗ Avoid: “It won’t hurt” or “Don’t be scared” (even well-meaning phrases can create anxiety)
Read Books About the Dentist
Children’s books like “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” help kids know what to expect.
Play “Dentist” at Home
Let your child practice being the dentist and “check” your teeth. Make it fun!
Stay Calm and Positive
Children pick up on your emotions. Stay enthusiastic—even if you have dental fears.
Bring a Comfort Item
Favorite stuffed animals or blankets are welcome!
Avoid Bribes
Don’t offer rewards for “being good”—this suggests the dentist is something to endure. Instead, celebrate their bravery afterward with praise!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
New Patient FAQs
Here are answers to some common inquiries:
Q: When should my child have their first dental visit?
A: By their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth—whichever comes first.
Q: How often should my child visit the dentist?
A: Every 6 months for most children.
Q: What if my child is anxious or scared?
A: We specialize in working with anxious children! We use gentle techniques and go at your child’s pace. We also offer sedation options like nitrous oxide if needed.
Q: Can I stay with my child during the appointment?
A: Absolutely! Parents are always welcome in the treatment room.
Q: What should I do if my child has a dental emergency before their first appointment?
A: Call us immediately at (843) 815-5437. We offer same-day emergency appointments.
Ready to Schedule Your Child’s First Visit?
We can’t wait to meet your family!