Your Child’s First Visit

We start every appointment by talking with you first—not your child, but you. Dr. Hayes believes it's crucial that parents feel seen and heard, which is why she begins by walking you through what to expect from the entire visit. When you understand why your child might react to certain sensations or procedures, it takes away that feeling of being in a situation beyond your control."I also make sure to ask parents if they have any 'do's or don'ts' with their child," explains Dr. Hayes. "Perhaps their child has a severe gag reflex I need to be extra careful about. Or maybe their child has a lot of anxiety and needs consistent breaks, so I perform the procedure in 15- or even 10-second increments. Whatever that child needs to feel secure, I will work around it."

This Is a Family Experience

Dr. Knockum wants every parent to see what's happening during their child's visit. "When you bring your child to see me, you will be with them at all times—because this is a family experience," he says. "Being a parent is hard, I know that from experience, which is why every time I discuss treatment with another parent, I bring it back home and think about how I would handle it if it were my child in that chair."

You'll never be asked to wait in another room while procedures are happening. We believe parents should be present, informed, and comfortable with every step of their child's care.

What Happens During Your Visit

We Get to Know Each Other

Your first visit is about understanding your child as an individual:

We talk about your child's personality, interests, and comfort needs
We review their medical history and any special considerations
We ask about previous dental experiences and any concerns you have
We explain our "Tell, Show, Do" approach so your child knows what to expect

Meeting Your Child Where They're At

Dr. Hayes has been around children since she was eight years old and understands that communication needs to match developmental stages. "If they're in the 'imaginative phase' between two and seven years of age, that's when I can use language like the 'sugar bugs' to talk about plaque or a 'mosquito kiss' for a little needle. Meeting them where they're at developmentally helps me figure out what they need to hear to be confident."

For older children, she takes a different approach: "I try to explain to my young patients how bacteria can affect their teeth. I will say things like, 'This is disease,' which is very different from telling them to remember to brush their teeth." She believes children appreciate understanding the consequences rather than just being told what to do.

The Clinical Examination

We move at your child's individual pace:

Gentle visual examination of teeth, gums, and oral development
Digital X-rays only when clinically necessary (with full explanation)
Age-appropriate cleaning and fluoride application
Discussion of home care routines and nutritional guidance

No Child Goes Without Care

Dr. Knockum's experience at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin exposed him to children who had "fallen through the cracks"—kids with special needs, serious illnesses, and complex dental issues that other practices wouldn't treat. "As a dentist, I believe no child should go without care," he says.
Both doctors welcome children regardless of their needs or previous dental experiences. This is what Dr. Hayes calls a "no-judge zone"—a place where every child's unique way of expressing feelings is accepted and supported.

Taking the Mystery Out of Treatment

Clear Communication Throughout

We explain each step before it happens using age-appropriate language
We answer your questions and address your child's concerns
We present treatment options and discuss what works best for your family
We provide visual explanations so both you and your child understand the care plan

What to Bring to Your First Visit:

Insurance card and photo identification
List of current medications and medical history
Previous dental records if available
Any comfort items that help your child feel secure

Our Commitment to Your Family

Both Dr. Hayes and Dr. Knockum are parents themselves and approach every patient relationship through that lens. "I see every patient through the lens of my own experience as a Mom," says Dr. Hayes. "I always ask myself, 'what would I want someone to do in this situation?'"

This means taking every tool out of the toolbox when needed—whether that's using fluoride treatments to slow decay until a young child is ready for more extensive treatment, or breaking procedures into tiny increments for an anxious child.

Why People Love Hampstead Pediatric Dentistry

Care Close to Home

The only pediatric dental practice in Pender County, founded by doctors who understand this community and want to give back to where they grew up.

Trusted Expertise

Two board-certified doctors with 13 and 15 years of experience treating everyone from infants to special needs children with patience and understanding.

Individual Approach

No cookie-cutter solutions here. We take time to understand each child's unique needs, whether they need breaks every 10 seconds or just a little extra encouragement.

Family-Centered Experience

Parents stay with their children throughout treatment. We believe this is a family experience, and you'll never be left guessing what's happening next.

Insurance Accepted

We accept most major dental insurances and offer flexible payment options because every family deserves quality pediatric dental care. Our team will work with you to make the most of your child’s dental benefits.

Call: (000) 000-0000

Let’s Create Brighter Smiles Together

Our doctors bring both professional expertise and parenting experience to every appointment, creating a supportive environment built on trust, understanding, and genuine care for your child's unique needs.
Call (000) 000-0000 or schedule online to set up your visit. We'll be in touch soon.

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