Even though Betsy has six months remaining before the birth of her baby, it is still timely to discuss the oral health issues of her child and to provide a proactive counseling process called "anticipatory guidance." Anticipatory guidance has been defined as:

"…the process of providing practical, developmentally appropriate health information about children to their parents in anticipation of significant physical, emotional, and psychological milestones. This information guides parents by alerting them to impending changes, teaching them their role in maximizing their children's developmental potential and identifying their children's special needs."

At this point in time, Betsy needs to be advised when she should bring her child in for her/his first dental exam. The recommended age for a child's first dental visit is approximately:

6 months

12 months

2 years

3 years

4 years