Establishing Your Child's Dental Home in Brooklyn, NY

The AAPD recommends every child establish a dental home by their first birthday. We serve as the dental home for thousands of Brooklyn families - from a child's first tooth through their teenage years.

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Dr. Yury Slepak, DDS

Your Child's Dentist

Dr. Yury Slepak, DDS

For over two decades, Dr. Slepak has been the trusted dental home provider for Brooklyn families - watching children grow from their first baby tooth through their first set of braces. He graduated with Honors from NYU College of Dentistry and trained at Maimonides Medical Center's Pediatric Residency.

A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and active in the AAPD and ADA, Dr. Slepak follows the AAPD's dental home guidelines to ensure every child receives age-appropriate, continuous care. He maintains hospital privileges at three facilities for complex cases.

As a Brooklyn-raised father of two, Dr. Slepak has experienced the dental home journey both as a provider and as a parent - giving him unique empathy for the families he serves.

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What Is a Dental Home?

A dental home is not just a dental office you visit when something goes wrong. It is a long-term relationship between your family and a dental practice that:

  • Maintains a complete record of your child's dental history
  • Tracks growth and development across every visit
  • Provides preventive care tailored to your child's specific risk profile
  • Is available for emergencies and urgent concerns
  • Educates your family on oral health at every stage
  • Coordinates with pediatricians, orthodontists, and specialists

Think of it the way you think about your child's pediatrician. You do not go to a different doctor every time. The same principle applies to dentistry.

Parent and child fish with heart
Cartoon fish - comfortable dental visits

Why the First Visit Should Happen by Age 1

The AAPD and AAP both recommend a first dental visit by your child's first birthday. This may seem early, but the first visit is about:

  • Checking for early signs of decay - cavities can start as soon as teeth appear
  • Assessing development - making sure jaw and teeth are developing normally
  • Setting a baseline - documenting your child's starting point
  • Building comfort - children who start early are significantly less likely to develop dental anxiety
  • Parent education - fluoride, brushing, diet, pacifiers, thumb sucking guidance

The first visit typically takes 15-20 minutes.

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What Ongoing Care Looks Like

Ages 0-2: Infant & Toddler

  • First dental visit and risk assessment
  • Bottle habits, pacifier use, teething guidance
  • Fluoride varnish if appropriate
  • Monitoring for early childhood caries

Ages 3-5: Preschool

  • Regular 6-month check-ups and cleanings
  • Sealants on primary molars if needed
  • Digital X-rays when indicated
  • Building positive dental habits

Ages 6-12: School Age

  • Monitoring baby-to-permanent tooth transition
  • Sealants on permanent molars
  • Orthodontic screening by age 7
  • Sports guard fitting

Ages 13-17: Teens

  • Continued preventive care and cleanings
  • Teeth whitening options
  • Wisdom tooth monitoring
  • Night guards for grinding

Benefits of Having a Dental Home

  • Consistency - The same team sees your child every time. We know their history, fears, and progress.
  • Prevention over reaction - Regular visits catch problems early. A cavity at a check-up is a simple filling; months later it may need a crown.
  • Emergency access - A child with an established dental home can be seen immediately by a team that already knows them.
  • Reduced anxiety - Children who see the same team regularly become comfortable. Familiarity reduces fear.
  • Coordinated care - If your child needs a specialist, we handle coordination and share records seamlessly.

Common Questions

My child is 3 and has never been to the dentist. Is it too late?

Not at all. While we recommend starting by age 1, any age is the right age to establish a dental home. We welcome new patients at every stage.

How often should my child come in?

For most children, every 6 months. Higher cavity risk children may benefit from visits every 3-4 months. We recommend the right schedule for your child.

Do you take my insurance?

We accept most major dental insurance plans. Contact us and we will verify your benefits before your first visit.

What if my child is scared of the dentist?

That is exactly what we are here for. Our team is trained in pediatric behavior management, and we offer sedation options. Starting with a short first visit builds trust.

What Parents Say

★★★★★4.9/5.0from 2,000+ reviews

"The best experience ever. My son is 9 years old and the Dr. showed a lot of care and professionalism."

- Sarah Nemon

"We love this office. Going here for years. Great doctor. My kids love to come to dentist."

- Diana Zavyalov

"Very nice and professional people, clean and safe, Doctor Slepak the best doctor what I know."

- Olga Ulan

Start Your Child's Dental Home Today

Your child's dental health is a long-term investment. Establishing a dental home early gives them the best foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Bite Squad Dental of NYC
2464 Coney Island Ave, Suite F2, Brooklyn, NY 11223

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