What age to register DC with dentist?

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Just interested really - in our red book it saya to register DC with dentist as soon as first tooth appears. However my dentist told me that they won't register children until they're 3. When I queried this with HV she said that the red book contains the national guidelines but that our PCT guidelines are 3yo.

Just wondered if this was the case anywhere else?

My dentist said 2 years.

I registered mine when she was a baby!!! Good dentists are rare round here and wanted to get her on the books. He first saw her when she was gummy but said it was good for her to get used to the room etc.

As soon as they have teeth.

We've always registered soon after birth (at my regular appointment).

They didn't have their own appt until 3+, but the dentist would have a quick peek when seeing me.

My DD is 2.9yrs and is going to the Dentist for the first time next week. My Dentist told me to wait till around now (when all first teeth are through).

DD2 went to the dentist for the first time this time last year, when she was 2. She's got to go again next week for her yearly check up.

I'm sure I registered DD once she had teeth which was well before she was 2.

I regestered both of mine not long after they were born and both have mini appointments every six months.

As Frog said - I think it's good to get them use to the room / chair. There are so many children scared witless of the dentist - so if I can avoid that by regular visits, I will.

I also found it helpful to know that I was cleaning their teeth properly.

both mine were registered when they first got teeth around 6 months old. They went with me when I had my appointments and the dentist had a quick peek. They now get their own reminders in the post for their 6 month check ups (aged 3 and 6)

I'm obviously living in the wrong area then!! I'd love to have DD1's teeth checked over (she's 14 mo and has a lot already) but although she's been to the dentist with me, he won't look at her and by what the HV says, he's just sticking to this area's guidelines. HV also told me that she thinks 3 is pretty standard in most areas but from your replies it doesn't sound like it....

I registered mine as soon as they had a fair number of teeth (before they were 2). The dentist was fine with it. For the first year he just got them used to sitting in the big chair and opening their mouths; he didn't actually do anything beyond "counting their teeth", but it helped take away the fear. It also meant that when dd2 did a face-plant on a stone path aged 2 and turned her front tooth black we didn't have to panic about finding a dentist - she was already signed up.

He had his first check up before he had any teeth! Now he's just turned 2 and has had 3 visits.

I can't take him to the dentist with me though. Last time, he screamed down the (large victorian) building. The receptionist had to take him to the kids waiting room and calm him down with some toys as he was making such a racket!!

Latest update in case there is anyone even remotely interested

So... here in Southampton the HV and the dentist agree local guidelines are that you only register DC at 3yo... DH went and asked a representative of the local PCT why exactly that was, given that they are going to fluoridate the water here as children's teeth in Southampton are so bad, and the rep from the PCT said the policy is to register DC from the moment they get their first teeth and that I am to report my dentist if he still refuses to take DD1 on...nothing like some joined-up thinking!!