What happens at a child's first dental visit?

Counting teeth, a look at how the teeth and jaw are developing, a cleaning if your child is comfortable with one, fluoride where appropriate, and a conversation with you about brushing, diet and habits like thumb-sucking.

Pediatric Dentist in Pacifica, CA | Kids & Family Dentistry

Q: Can I stay with my child during the appointment?

Yes. Dr. Vafi welcomes parents into the operatory at every appointment. Not every pediatric dentist allows it.

Q: Do you take Delta Dental?

Dr. Sepi Vafi is a Delta Dental Premier provider. Our other dentists are not contracted with Delta Dental, so your out-of-pocket cost depends on which dentist you see. Call (650) 738-2100 and we will check your specific plan.

Q: Do you see children with dental anxiety?

Yes. Nothing happens before your child is ready, you stay in the room, and the first visit is deliberately short. Tell us when you book and we will allow a longer appointment slot.

Q: Do you see adults too?

Yes. Dr. Dezham treats adults at the same office, so parents and kids can be seen in one place.

Meet Dr. Vafi

Dr. Vafi earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, then completed advanced education in pediatric dentistry at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.

Being the dentist wasn't the original plan. She started as a dental assistant and worked her way through school. Her parents pushed her to keep going when she doubted herself, and that belief is what carried her through.

She opened Shore View Dental in Pacifica in 1997 and has treated children here ever since. She welcomes parents into the operatory during their child's appointment — not every pediatric dentist allows it. For her, that is the part of the job that matters.

"I feel truly blessed to be serving the Pacifica community since 1997. Every day, I come to work excited for the hugs from my little patients and the conversations with their parents."

What a first visit looks like

Most kids come in nervous and leave asking when they get to come back. That is mostly a matter of pace — nothing happens before your child is ready for it.

You come in too

Parents stay with their child through the whole appointment. No waiting room separation, no wondering what happened behind the door.

Start early, keep it short

The first visit is usually around age one. It is brief and mostly about a look, a count, and getting comfortable in the chair.

Familiar faces

The same team has been here for years. Kids see the person they saw last time, which is most of why they stop being nervous.

And the rest of the family

You do not need a second practice across town for your own cleaning. Shoreview treats adults in the same office your kids already come to.

Children

With Dr. Sepi Vafi

First visits and check-ups
Cleanings, fluoride, and sealants
Fillings and early cavity care
Growth and spacing monitoring
Kid-sized emergency visits

Adults

With Dr. Cameron Dezham

Cleanings and preventive care
Fillings, crowns, and restorative work
Invisalign® clear aligners
Cosmetic dentistry
Emergency care

Booking together is easier. Tell us who needs to be seen and we will try to group your family into the same visit window so it is one trip, not three.

Insurance

Delta Dental Premier — children's dentistry

Dr. Vafi is a Delta Dental Premier provider for children.

If your child is covered by Delta Dental, their care with Dr. Vafi is in network.

Our other dentists are not contracted with Delta Dental, so coverage differs depending on who in your family is being seen. We accept most other major PPO plans. Call the front desk at (650) 738-2100 and we will check each person's plan before you book.

Request an appointment

Send us your details and the front desk will call you back to find a time. If you would rather just talk to someone, call (650) 738-2100 during office hours.

First name *

Last name *

Phone *

Email *

ZIP code *

Who is this for? *

Anything we should know? (optional)

Please don't include detailed medical information here — we'll take that over the phone.

I agree to receive calls and text messages from Shore View Dental about my appointment request. Message and data rates may apply. *

I'd also like occasional news and offers from Shore View Dental.

Prefer to call? (650) 738-2100 — 731 Oceana Blvd, Pacifica

Questions parents ask

When should my child first see a dentist?

Around their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Early visits are short and mostly about getting your child comfortable in the chair.

Can I stay with my child during the appointment?

Yes, always. Dr. Vafi welcomes parents into the operatory at every appointment. Not every pediatric dentist allows it, and for her it is one of the more important parts of the job.

Do you take Delta Dental?

Dr. Vafi is a Delta Dental Premier provider for children's dentistry, so your child's care is in network. Our other dentists are not contracted with Delta Dental, so your coverage will differ depending on which dentist you see. Call us at (650) 738-2100 and we will check your specific plan.

Do you see adults too, or only children?

Both. Dr. Dezham treats adults at the same office, including cleanings, restorative work, and Invisalign®, so the family does not need two practices.

My child is nervous about the dentist.

That is normal and we plan for it. Nothing happens before your child is ready, you stay in the room, and the first visit is deliberately short. Tell us on the form or when you call and we will give you a longer appointment slot.

What if it's an emergency?

Call the office at (650) 738-2100 rather than using this form. We keep room in the schedule for same-day problems.