Nervous about making that initial dental appointment for your child? Here is what to expect at the IWS Children’s Clinic
By Dr. Meg Vizgarda
Once you arrive at the IWS Children’s Clinic, you will enter our colorful, bright, and cheerful waiting area where our Patient Care Coordinators will happily check you in for your appointment.
When it is time for your appointment, one of our experienced bi-lingual dental assistants will guide you back to the operatory where your child will get comfortable in the dental chair. We have wonderful, playful murals that kids really love to look at during their visits. If necessary, the dental assistant will take x-rays at the beginning of the appointment.
X-rays are important for diagnosing nonvisible cavities that are between the teeth. The hygienist will spend time reviewing proper oral hygiene practices and optimal nutritional choices. We welcome and encourage questions from our parents.
Before we get started with the cleaning, our providers use child-friendly language to describe the procedure. We want to ensure that your child is comfortable and informed. After the cleaning is completed, the dentist will enter the room, review the x-rays, and complete the dental exam.
The dentist will take time reviewing the treatment plan and will ensure that all of your questions are answered. We always want our parents to be comfortable with the proposed treatment plan. The dentist will apply fluoride to your child’s teeth after the exam is completed. Fluoride is important and is very effective in strengthening enamel and preventing cavities.
Last and most important, we will give your child a goody bag and they will choose stickers for being great helpers! As you are guided back to the waiting area, we encourage our patients to visit the Giving Library. Your child can take home our pre-packaged book bags, or they can choose their own books while you are making their follow-up appointments. We also have pet therapy on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our patients LOVE spending time with these gentle dogs (and sometimes bunnies) after their treatment.
We take pride in making visits to the IWS Children’s Clinic comfortable, positive, and fun!
Do you have questions about setting up your child’s next appointment? Please call us at 708-848-0528 and we will be happy to help.
About Dr. Meg
Dr. Meg was born and raised in the Chicago area. She graduated from St. Olaf College with a bachelor's degree in biology and Latin. She pursued her dental education at UIC College of Dentistry where she graduated in 1991. Immediately following graduation, Dr. Meg joined the US Army Dental Corps where she served on active duty for ten years. She loved serving the soldiers and was honorably discharged as a Major in 2002. After leaving the service, she decided to focus on her growing family. On her return to dentistry, Dr. Meg started her journey into public health. She became the Dental Director at the Berwyn Public Health District and provided general dentistry on the Stickney Township mobile dental clinic. Through these programs, she met members of The Children's Clinic. She has been with The Children's Clinic for sixteen years and has found her home. In her spare time, Dr. Meg loves to travel, struggles with golf, finds peace in yoga, and tries to keep up with the lives of her very busy adult sons!