New Patient Special
Our Patient's Experiences
Building Healthy Habits from the Very Beginning
Getting to Know Each Other
We take time to understand your child's individual needs because, as Dr. Knockum explains, "you can't tell just by looking at them—you need to invest adequate time getting to know them." We'll find out what they're interested in and meet them at their developmental level.
Age-Appropriate Communication
Dr. Hayes has a special gift for understanding child development. For younger children in the "imaginative phase," we might talk about "sugar bugs" on their teeth. For older kids, we provide straight talk about how bacteria affects teeth and why good habits matter—because children appreciate understanding the consequences rather than just being told what to do.
Gentle, Thorough Examination
Using our "Tell, Show, Do" approach, we explain each step before it happens so kids know exactly what to expect. Dr. Knockum believes this prevents fear because "a lot of kids get scared because they don't know what's coming next."
Professional Cleaning and Preventive Care
We provide gentle cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants using kid-friendly techniques. Sometimes we can even use fluoride treatments to slow decay in very young children until they're ready for more extensive treatment if needed.
Why Regular Checkups Matter for Kids
Catching Problems Early
Regular visits help us spot small issues before they become big ones. Dr. Hayes explains: "When it comes to treating my patients, I take every tool I have out of the toolbox"—and prevention is always our first and best tool.
Building Confidence
We want children to feel like they're part of what's going on, not just something being done to them. When kids understand their oral health and feel involved in their care, they develop confidence that helps them tackle challenges throughout life.
Teaching Parents and Kids Together
Both doctors are passionate educators. As Dr. Hayes puts it: "What I enjoy most about my job now is teaching parents how to help care for their children. Whether it's nutritional counseling or assisting parents to build healthy habits in their children, whatever I can do to help take something off their plate, I'm happy to do."
Making Visits Comfortable and Fun
This Is a No-Judge Zone: Dr. Hayes calls our practice a "no-judge zone" because every child has a unique way of expressing their feelings. Sometimes that means things get animated during visits—and that's perfectly okay in a pediatric dental office.
Entertainment and Comfort: Kids can watch Netflix, play video games, or listen to music during their visit. We also have cozy blankets, warm scented towels, and a play area to help children feel relaxed from the moment they arrive.
Parents Stay With Their Children: Dr. Knockum wants every parent to see what's happening: "When you bring your child to see me, you will be with them at all times—because this is a family experience." We believe parents should be present, informed, and comfortable with every step of their child's care.
Meet Our Experienced Doctors
Dr. Brandon Knockum
Dr. Crystal Hayes
A Practice Built on Understanding
Dr. Hayes grew up in this community and returned home with a mission: "Now it's personal. Now it's giving back to the community." Dr. Knockum brings experience from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where he worked with children who had "fallen through the cracks" elsewhere.
Together, they've created something different—a practice where being a pediatric dentist means being, as Dr. Hayes says, "a professionally-trained Mom!" They see every patient through the lens of their own parenting experience and always ask themselves: "What would I want someone to do if this were my child?"
When to Schedule Your Child’s Dental Visits
First Visit
We recommend your child's first visit by age one or when their first tooth appears. But that first visit isn't about treatment—it's about getting to know your family and starting a positive relationship with dental care.
Regular Checkups
Most children benefit from visits every six months, though we'll customize the schedule based on your child's individual needs. Dr. Knockum believes in building good habits from birth, and regular checkups are a cornerstone of lifelong oral health.
Special Circumstances
We offer same-day emergency appointments because accidents happen. When they do, we're here to get your child out of pain and back to being a kid.
Why People Love Hampstead Pediatric Dentistry
Care Close to Home
Trusted Expertise
13 and 15 years of experience treating everyone from infants to special needs children with patience and understanding.
Individual Approach
Family-Centered Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What preventive treatments do you provide during checkups?
We offer fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect teeth from cavities, especially important as permanent molars come in. We also teach proper brushing and flossing techniques through hands-on demonstrations. As Dr. Hayes says, we love "teaching parents how to help care for their children" and building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
What can I do at home to prepare my child for their checkup?
Keep it simple and positive. Schedule morning appointments when kids are well-rested, and let them know they're going to meet friendly dentists who want to help keep their teeth healthy. Avoid sharing your own dental fears or using scary words. Our office has plenty of distractions to help them feel comfortable once they arrive.
Do you take X-rays at every visit?
Not necessarily. We only take digital X-rays when they're clinically necessary to check for problems we can't see with a visual exam. Our digital X-rays use 90% less radiation than traditional film, and we'll always explain why they're needed before taking them.
How do you handle children with special needs during checkups?
Dr. Knockum's hospital experience taught him that "no child should go without care." We work closely with parents to understand each child's specific needs and create accommodations within their comfort level. This might mean modifying our techniques, taking extra breaks, or coordinating with your child's other healthcare providers.
What happens if you find cavities during the checkup?
We'll walk you through exactly what we found and present different treatment options. Dr. Hayes believes in taking "every tool I have out of the toolbox"—sometimes that means using fluoride treatments to slow decay in very young children until they're ready for more extensive treatment, or discussing sedation options for anxious kids.
How do you communicate with children of different ages?
Dr. Hayes has a special understanding of child development. For younger kids in the "imaginative phase," we might talk about "sugar bugs" on their teeth or give a "mosquito kiss" for a small procedure. With older children, we provide honest explanations about how bacteria affects teeth because they appreciate understanding the real reasons why good habits matter.
Will I be able to stay with my child during their checkup?
Absolutely. Dr. Knockum believes parents should be with their children at all times because "this is a family experience." We want you to see exactly what's happening and feel comfortable with every step of your child's care. You're never asked to wait in another room.
What if my child is scared or anxious about coming in?
We start every appointment by talking with you about your child's personality and any concerns they might have. Some kids need to work in 10-second increments, others need frequent breaks, and some just need to know exactly what's coming next. We also have entertainment options, cozy blankets, and a play area to help them feel comfortable.
How often does my child need checkups after that?
Most children do well with checkups every six months, but we customize the schedule based on your child's individual needs. Some kids who are prone to cavities might need to see us more frequently, while others can go a bit longer between visits. We'll work with you to find what's right for your child.
When should my child have their first checkup?
We recommend your child's first visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. But don't stress if you've missed that window—we're here whenever you're ready. That first visit is really about getting to know your family and helping you understand how to care for your child's teeth at home.
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