Summer and Back-to-School Dental Exams in Glendale, AZ
Summer is the easiest time of year to take care of your family’s dental visits. School’s out, schedules are more flexible, and it’s easier to find an appointment before the back-to-school rush.
At The Dentist, our summer exam (we call it our School’s Out Exam) includes a thorough exam, a professional cleaning, and time to take care of anything that needs attention before the first bell.
It’s for kids and teens heading back to class, college students home for break, and parents who want to get their own visit done at the same time.
Have questions? Call or text The Dentist at (623) 773-1991.
Why Schedule Your Child’s Dental Exam Over the Summer?
Arizona schools start earlier than much of the country, often in late July or early August. “Back to school” season arrives fast, and so do busy schedules. June and early July are ideal times to book, since that leaves room for any follow-up care before classes begin.
A summer visit offers several advantages:
- No missed class time. Your child won’t need to leave school for an appointment.
- Room to finish treatment. If your child needs a filling or sealants, there’s still time to schedule care before school starts.
- Fewer surprises during the school year. Catching small problems early can lower the chance of a toothache that sends your child home from class.
- One trip for the whole family. Parents can book their own exam and cleaning alongside their kids.
What Happens During a Summer Dental Exam?
Most kids should have an exam and professional cleaning once or twice a year. A summer visit is an easy way to keep that schedule on track, and our doctors will recommend how often your child should come in based on their age and oral health.
A Thorough Exam
Our doctors check your child’s teeth, gums, mouth, jaw, and bite. For younger kids, we also look at how new teeth are coming in. For teens and adults, the exam includes an oral cancer screening.
A Professional Cleaning
A hygienist removes plaque and tartar from between the teeth and along the gumline, then polishes the teeth. After the cleaning, your child can receive an optional fluoride treatment, which we recommend because it helps protect teeth from cavities. You can learn more about our professional dental cleanings.
Sealants for Extra Protection
If your child hasn’t had sealants, our doctors may recommend them. Sealants work like small raincoats for the back teeth. They cover the grooves where most cavities start and help keep out food and acids.
If your child already has sealants, we’ll check that they’re still intact and reapply them if needed.
Care for Any Cavities
If we find a cavity, we may be able to fill it the same day if time allows. If your child needs more than one filling, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit, and summer leaves plenty of room to fit it in before school.
We numb the area around the tooth before starting so your child stays comfortable, and we explain each step in kid-friendly terms.
Summer in Arizona and Your Child’s Teeth
Arizona summers mean more sports drinks, popsicles, and all-day sipping to stay cool. Frequent sugary drinks give cavity-causing bacteria more to feed on.
Water is the best choice for staying hydrated and supports the saliva that naturally protects teeth. If your child plays a fall sport, ask us about a custom sports mouthguard during the visit.
Who Should Schedule a School’s Out Exam?
- Young children starting preschool or kindergarten
- Elementary, middle, and high school students
- College students home for the summer
- Parents and other adults who want to get their visit done before fall gets busy
Why Glendale Families Choose The Dentist
The Dentist is 100% privately owned and operated. Your family sees the same doctors visit after visit, not whoever happens to be on the schedule.
Dr. Eric Van Sluyters and Dr. Raj Pradhan get to know your kids as they grow, from first checkups through their teen years and beyond. That continuity lets us notice changes over time and keep your family’s care consistent.
Because we offer comprehensive care under one roof, the whole family can be seen in one place for everything from children’s dentistry to adult restorative care.
Our schedule also works around summer camps and workdays. We open at 7:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and we’re open until 5:00 PM on Tuesdays.
Making Visits Comfortable for Nervous Kids (and Parents)
Some kids feel nervous about dental visits, and that’s normal. Our team takes things at your child’s pace, explains what’s happening, and answers questions along the way.
If your child feels uneasy, call or text us and we’ll talk through comfort options before the visit.
Insurance and Payment
We’re in network with many PPO insurance plans, and many plans include coverage for preventive visits like exams and cleanings. We don’t accept HMO plans.
Call or text our office to verify your coverage before your appointment. We also accept Cherry financing as a payment option for treatment.
Book Your Family’s Summer Dental Exam in Glendale, AZ
Summer appointments go fastest as the school year approaches, so it pays to plan ahead. Call or text The Dentist at (623) 773-1991, or send us a message through our contact form, and we’ll help you find a time that fits your family’s schedule.
You’ll find us at 6206 West Bell Road, Suite 1, in Glendale, near the corner of 62nd Ave and Bell Road.
