children's first dentist visit video

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How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight

What to Expect

Choosing a dentist.

• Getting Ready For The Visit

Preparing as a Parent

One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a Pediatric Dentist is, “When should I bring my baby in for their first dental visit?”

The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. While it may sound early, starting at that age will start your baby on a path for great oral health and prevent a number of dental problems that can occur during childhood.

The first visit gives parents a chance to become educated on how to properly care for their child's teeth and gives children a chance to become comfortable with the dental environment at an early age.

At the first visit, the dentist will examine your baby's mouth to make sure everything is growing and developing properly and will check for dental caries, tongue ties, and any signs of injuries.

The dentist will typically tell you everything you need to know to keep your child's teeth healthy including:

• What kind of toothpaste and toothbrush to use
• Brushing and flossing techniques
• How to relieve teething discomfort
• Which foods and drinks cause cavities
• Answers to questions about pacifier use and thumb-sucking.

The examination and cleaning itself can take just a few minutes, but most of the time is spent on making the child feel comfortable and educating the parents. You should not expect the overall visit to take a long time.

The first step is finding a Pediatric Dentist for your child. Pediatric Dentists have two to three additional years of training after dental school during which they extensively study child development, behavior management of patients from infancy to adolescence, and how best to work with special needs children.

Most Pediatric Dentists will aim to provide a fun environment with toys, stickers, TVs, games, yummy flavored toothpaste, and staff that enjoy working with children. When children are having fun, they gain trust in the dentist and staff, and will often enjoy their visits and look forward to their next appointment.

Where to Find a Dentist

To find a Pediatric Dentist in your area, you can Google nearby pediatric dentists, talk to other parents you know for recommendations, and ask your child's pediatrician or your own dentist. If you have dental insurance, you can search for a Pediatric Dentist through your list of participating providers.

Getting Ready For Your Child's Visit

When you have decided on an office, call them to schedule a visit. Young children tend to do their best in the morning when they are fresh and full of energy. Avoid scheduling appointments late in the day or close to nap times when children can be groggy or cranky.

You can inquire if it is possible for you and your child to come to the office for a tour and to meet the doctor before the actual day of the checkup. If your child has any special needs, discuss it with the staff member that schedules your appointment. The dentist will often want a little extra time scheduled for this.

If there is something in particular that keeps your child calm and happy (a song they like to hear, a video they like to watch or simply a color they like), let the dentist know so they can try to incorporate that into the visit.

Mental Preparation

Once you have an appointment scheduled, start preparing your child for the visit. Children learn best when they are having fun. You can practice giving their stuffed animal a checkup with a toy mirror.

Your child can bring that same stuffed animal to the dental visit to get a check-up by the dentist. Read books to them. I recommend:

• Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer)
• Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig)
• Elmo Visits the Dentist by P.J. Shaw

You can also watch one of the many YouTube videos about going to the dentist, such as Daniel Tiger's .

Put Them At Ease

When talking to your child about their upcoming trip to the dentist, you can assure them that there are no shots at this visit and that the dentist will simply examine and brush their teeth and talk to them about how to keep their teeth healthy.

Let them know that the dentist will show them all of the tools and explain all of the procedures before starting. You can also plan a treat (not candy or junk food) such as a trip to the park or toy store should they need a little extra motivation.

Anticipating Follow Up Visits

Once you've completed your first visit, it's time to start preparing your child for their second visit! Discuss the visit with your child and remind them of the positive things that happened such as:

• There were no shots
• Nothing hurt
• The toothpaste tasted great
• The toothbrush tickled
• The dentist counted all of your teeth and now we know how many teeth you have
• You got prizes and a new toothbrush at the end
• Next time we go there, we'll get these fun prizes all over again!

To prepare yourself, come on time, if possible a few minutes earlier to fill out any registration and consent forms that may be needed. Many offices have their registration forms on their website so you can fill them out in advance.

Give your dentist a complete health history of your child. If your child is taking any medications, have a list of the medications and dosages. Have your child's pediatrician's contact information available.

If you have any particular questions that you want the dentist to address, write them down so you don't forget to ask them if the dentist doesn't bring those topics up.

It is also important to have reasonable expectations of your child. During the visit, some children may open their mouths willingly and enjoy the experience, while some will not, just as some do not enjoy getting haircuts or wearing seatbelts. Luckily, with preparation and sticking to a regular recall schedule (typically every six months), the visits will get easier and more enjoyable each time.

Many children that may start out fearful or anxious can become patients that love going to the dentist once they've been a few times.  

By Rashmi Ambewadikar, DDS  Rashmi Ambewadikar, DDS is a pediatric dentist practicing in Queens, New York and is the owner of Astoria Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. 

• Find-a-Dentist

Your Baby's First Dental Visit

Your baby is hitting new milestones every day, and his or her first dental visit is another one to include in the baby book!

Your child’s first dental visit should take place after that first tooth appears , but no later than the first birthday. Why so early? As soon as your baby has teeth , he or she can get cavities. Being proactive about your child’s dental health today can help keep his or her smile healthy for life. (Need a dentist? Use our Find-A-Dentist tool to find one in your area.)

How to Prepare

Moms and dads can prepare, too. When making the appointment, it can’t hurt to ask for any necessary patient forms ahead of time. It may be quicker and easier for you to fill them out at home instead of at the office on the day of your visit.

Make a list of questions, as well. If your child is teething , sucking his or her thumb  or using a pacifier  too much, your dentist can offer some advice.

What to Expect During the Visit

If your child cries a little or wiggles during the exam, don’t worry. It’s normal, and your dental team understands this is a new experience for your child!

Tips for a Great Visit

• Don’t schedule an appointment during naptime. Instead, pick a time your child is usually well-rested and cooperative.
• Make sure your child has had a light meal and brushes their teeth before their appointment so they won’t be hungry during their visit.
• Save snacks for after the visit so they aren’t on your child’s teeth during the exam.
• Think of the appointment as a happy and fun experience. If your child becomes upset during the visit, work with your dentist to calm your child. You’re on the same team!

• Second Opinion

A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

When should your child first see a dentist? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking him or her within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months at the latest.

At this time, the dentist can give you information on:

Baby bottle tooth decay

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Pacifier habits

Finger-sucking habits

Prepare your child

If possible, schedule morning appointments so young children are alert and fresh.

Prepare a preschooler or older child for the visit by giving him or her a general idea of what to expect. Explain why it is important to go to the dentist. Build excitement and understanding.

Prepare yourself

Discuss your questions and concerns with the dentist. Remember that your feeling toward dental visits can be quite different from your child's. Be honest with your view of the dentist. If you have dental anxieties, be careful not to relate those fears or dislikes to your child. Parents need to give moral support by staying calm while in the dental exam room. Children can pick up parents' anxieties and become anxious themselves.

Prepare the dentist

At the first visit, give the dentist your child's complete health history. For a restoration visit, such as getting a cavity filled, tell the dentist if your child tends to be stubborn, defiant, anxious, or fearful in other situations.

Watch how your child reacts. Many parents are able to guess how their child will respond and should tell the dentist. Certain behaviors may be linked to your child's age:

10 to 24 months. Some securely attached children may get upset when taken from their parents for an exam.

2 to 3 years. A securely attached child may be able to cope with a brief separation from parents. In a 2-year-old, "no" may be a common response.

3 years. Three-year-olds may not be OK being apart from a parent when having a dental procedure such as getting a cavity filled. This is because most 3-year-olds are not socially mature enough to separate from parents.

4 years. Most children should be able to sit in another room from parents for exams and treatment procedures.

The first visit

Your child's first dental visit is to help your child feel comfortable with the dentist. The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child's age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. If needed, your child may also have a gentle cleaning. This includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar, and stains. The dentist may show you and your child proper home cleaning such as flossing, and advise you on the need for fluoride. Baby teeth fall out, so X-rays aren’t often done. But your child's dentist may recommend X-rays to diagnose decay, depending on your child's age. X-rays are also used to see if the root of a jammed baby tooth may be affecting an adult tooth. In general, it is best that young children not have dental X-rays unless absolutely needed.

The second visit

Just like adults, children should see the dentist every 6 months. Some dentists may schedule visits more often, such as every 3 months. This can build comfort and confidence in the child. More frequent visits can also help keep an eye on a development problem.

Protect your children's teeth at home

 Here are some tips to protect your children's teeth:

Before teeth come in, clean gums with a clean, damp cloth.

Start brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) when your child's first tooth appears. Use a pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste after 3 years of age. This is when the child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.

Prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Don't give children a bottle of milk, juice, or sweetened liquid at bedtime or when put down to nap.

Limit the time your child has a bottle. Your child should empty a bottle in 5 to 6 minutes or less.

Help your child brush his or her own teeth until age 7 or 8. Have the child watch you brush, and follow the same brushing pattern to reduce missed spots.

Limit foods and treats that increase tooth decay. This includes hard or sticky candies, fruit leather, and sweetened drinks and juice. Offer fruit rather than juice. The fiber in fruit tends to scrape the teeth clean. Juice just exposes the teeth to sugar.

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How to Prepare Your Child for That First Dental Visit

Updated 6/22/2020

Children can have a range of reactions to a dentist, from fearful anxiety to curiosity. Preparing a child for that first dental visit can help cut down on the fear and anxiety to create a better experience for everyone involved.

Some parents may be tempted to put off checkups because of their child’s reluctance. But along with at-home dental hygiene, visits to the dentist are essential for their dental health. The first appointment should come much sooner than some parents realize. Experts suggest scheduling that first dental visit within six months of the appearance of the first baby tooth, or by the first birthday, whichever comes first.

Why Children Sometimes React Negatively to the First Dental Visit

If a child has never been to a dentist before, he or she has no experience on which to build expectations. Everything is new to them—and sometimes scary. Even if they have been to a dentist before, a new office or a new dentist can cause anxiety, too.

Now consider some of the things that a child might experience during that first visit:

• They might have to wait in a waiting room for some time before seeing a dentist or oral hygienist. Most kids don’t like to wait or sit still, so they will need something to occupy their attention.
• A dentist’s chair is surrounded by many tools. Most of these are complex tools that your kids will not have seen before. Your kids might be curious about them, but they could also be fearful of them.
• A dentist’s office will also have a lot of new sounds: Machines that whir, buzz, and bubble; people answering the phone to set appointments; sounds of other people getting their teeth cleaned. If kids don’t recognize these sounds, they can be somewhat frightening.
• The dentist, hygienist, and receptionist will all be adults that your child doesn’t know. Most children are (rightly!) nervous about strangers. They might act overly shy and reserved, or act out in an attempt to manage their fear.
• They may worry that the dentist or hygienist will hurt them. They might remember stories from friends, family, or even TV that portray dental work as something painful and unpleasant.

With all of these experiences, it’s no wonder some children feel “out of sorts” when visiting a dentist for the first time!

And when a child is not comfortable with his or her environment, they can have a number of reactions. They might:

• Act shy and withdrawn.
• Cry or throw a tantrum.
• Get overly excited, running around, and climb on things.
• Say inappropriate things.
• Beg you to leave or do something else.
• Constantly demand your attention, or demand to be comforted.

It is important to remember that these reactions are completely normal and age-appropriate . Your child is not trying to be difficult. They are simply trying to cope with their fear in the situation.

That said, many children have a positive experience during their first dental visit . He or she might simply be curious about the new sights and sounds around them. They can feel comfortable around your new dentist, especially if that dentist is experienced at interacting with kids. It is best for parents not to assume that their kid will react negatively. Children will naturally pick up on your anxiety, which could inadvertently make the situation worse.

Preparing Your Child—and Yourself—for the Visit

The best way to ensure a calm and successful first dental visit is to take a little time to prepare your child and set expectations about what will happen.

• Start with a positive attitude yourself . Children are amazingly perceptive when it comes to the attitudes of others, and they will mirror your reactions to the situation. This is especially true if you fear the dentist yourself. Take a moment to make sure you are calm, relaxed, and cheerful. Interact as politely as you can with the staff at the office. Try to project the attitude that a dentist’s visit is fun, and that the dentist is a friend who is there to help.
• Talk to your child, in an age-appropriate way, about the sequence of events during the visit . “First we’ll say hi to the receptionist, then there will be a little wait while they get ready, then we’ll go into a little room and you’ll sit in the big chair…” When kids know what to expect, they are much more able to deal with each event as it happens.
• “Play” dentist at home . Try making a game of having your child “check” your teeth, then check theirs. There are even toy dental instruments available so they can role-play and see the visit as something fun.
• Create a “ritual” surrounding the experience . Another way to help children process what is happening is to create little rituals around the visit. For example, maybe you bring some special books to read while in the waiting room. Or perhaps you can pick out a special “going to the dentist” outfit.
• Recruit older siblings to help . If your child has an older brother or sister who has been to the dentist (and has had mostly positive experiences), consider bringing the sibling along or scheduling their appointments together. Not only will this provide a distraction, but the older sibling can model the right kind of attitude and behavior for the office.
• Don’t forget to have them brush . The visit will go more smoothly if your child has already brushed his or her teeth before the visit. This makes it easier for the dental hygienist to examine your kid’s teeth, and to see how well they are brushing . So try to remember to have your child brush before going out the door!

Still Feeling Anxious about That First Dental Visit?

The first dental visit can make both parent and child nervous. No parent wants to see their child upset or frightened. Remaining calm and ready for how a child can react will help prepare you both. Parents may also want to consider a pediatric dentist , as they have more experience treating little ones.

An early start on good dental health is important for all kids. A positive experience at that first dental visit can start them on a lifetime of good oral care and overall health. If you need to find a dentist for your child, use our online search tool for one in your area.

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Read All About It

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First Dental Visit: When To Go and What To Expect for Children

A question we often hear is, “When should my child first go to the dentist and what should we expect on that day?” Read on to see just when you should take your child to the dentist and what the initial visit to a pediatric dentist may be like.

When Should Your Child Have Their First Dental Visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child’s first visit to the dentist should occur within six months after your child’s first tooth appears, but no later than by the child’s first birthday.

You may be wondering, though, when your child will get their first teeth. From birth, children usually have 20 primary teeth partially formed under the gums. The first teeth tend to erupt and come in through the gums from the age of six to 12 months. Beyond that, most children will have their full set of primary teeth by age three.

It’s important to take care of those primary baby teeth for many reasons, including the fact that decay in the baby teeth can sometimes lead to decay in the permanent teeth. Establishing a routine visit to the dentist for your child is not only recommended but prudent. But what can you expect when you get there?

What Should You Expect During Your Child’s First Trip To The Dentist?

All pediatric dentists have their own unique ways of welcoming a child for their first dental visit and making them feel comfortable while they are there.  The experience sometimes starts  outside the office with colorful signage on the building or door. 

Once inside the office, the waiting room can be transformed into a place of play with books, board games, building sets, and video games.  A lot of offices will hold drawings to engage the kids. For example, having a large glass jar filled with marbles (or anything that’s fun to count) and slips of paper with pencils on a table, so kids can guess the number of items in the jar, enter the contest, and qualify to win a prize.

Making the visit fun for your child is the goal to decrease resistance to visiting the dentist in the future. The dental office staff play a huge role in making the visit pleasant for your child. Assistants should be friendly, engaging, and physically be down at the child’s level to interact one-on-one with them. 

What Is Involved In The First Dental Exam?

When your child is called back for their dental exam and cleaning, expect the hygienist to greet you with a smiling face and happy tone of voice. The hygienist will normally welcome you, introduce themselves to you (AND to your child) and then show you to an exam room.

At this point, because the dental tools tend to be intimidating to a young one (and even some adults), most hygienists will make a game of introducing and explaining the equipment that dentists use. They may start by asking if your child has any troubles in their mouth or if their teeth are hurting and whether they brush and floss. 

Then, they might ask if your child knows how many teeth they have. This is a great ice breaker, because kids love to count. The hygienist will generally get their ‘teeth counting tool’ (just a pick) and make a huge deal of counting all the teeth on the top and all the teeth on the bottom, and say something like, “Wow!  You have ten teeth on top and ten on the bottom. Do you know how many teeth that is in total? You have 20 teeth!!”

The hygienist may use words and phrases your child can relate to. For example, when the cleaning and exam starts, your child’s exam chair will be tilted backwards and down, which can be scary for a child. This is the perfect opportunity for your little one to ‘go on a space adventure in a rocket’. And to get a reluctant child to open wide enough for the exam, you may hear, ‘Open your mouth big, like a hippo, for me.” 

Cleaning and polishing teeth is done by the “tooth tickler.” The instrument used to rinse, remove water and paste, and blow air is either a ‘squirt gun’, an ‘elephant’s trunk” or a ‘tooth dryer’ (similar to a hair dryer) depending on its function at the time.  Floss helps to remove the ‘sugar bugs’ from between the teeth.  And fluoride varnish is usually a “superhero protection paint.” 

When it comes time for X-rays, hygienists call the protective shield a ‘heavy blanket’ and may joke that it weighs more than your child. Actually taking the X-rays is compared to taking movie star glamour shots or something similar. You get the idea. 

Anything to calm your child’s fears and keep the appointment experience fun is the end goal, so that future appointments will be looked forward to. Some pediatric dental offices will even show movies or cartoons on a screen in the waiting room or in the exam room to help alleviate anxiety.

Of course, the dentist will come and examine your child after the cleaning. This can be an area of uncertainty and transition for your child, so a lot of dentists will offer prizes from the treasure chest for being a good patient.

Your child may also receive a bag filled with helpful items designed to encourage your child to brush and care for their teeth properly. Colorful toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss picks, timers, toy prizes, and even story books about trips to the dentist may be included. Your child may be encouraged to use the timer while they brush their teeth for two minutes, two times per day (Or they can sing their ABC’s in their head, twice!).

Tips For Your Child’s First Dental Visit

As soon as your child gets their first tooth, go ahead and schedule an appointment close to their first birthday.

Schedule an appointment during the time of day that is best for your child, when they are most calm, rested, and cooperative.

If you fear the dentist, don’t show that anxiety to your child. Stay positive and trust in your pediatric dental professional.

Don’t use bribes to entice your child to go to the dentist nor use a trip to the dentist as a form of punishment.

Preventive Care Can Lead To A Lifetime of Dental Health

Just like with a well-baby check at the doctor, bringing your child to the dentist at a very early age can help to establish positive dental care routines that will ensure oral health over a long period of time. Setting up your child’s dental home in advance is a wise idea should issues involving their teeth arise, either cavities or injuries. 

Good dental health practices can save your child from potentially painful future procedures and save you time and money in the long run. Most importantly, working with a pediatric dentist that can put your child at ease and make them want to go to the dentist may be a key factor in whether your child partakes in dental healthcare throughout their life.

To discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s first trip to the dentist, contact us here at Hurst Pediatric Dentistry.

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Your Child's First Dental Visit - How to Prepare & What to Expect

Table of Contents

• How to Prepare
• What to Expect
• Tips for Success

Child's Oral Health at Home

• Frequently Asked Questions

Pediatricians and dentists advise parents to take children to the dentist for the first time soon after their first tooth starts to come in. That is usually when infants are about 6 months old, although the timing varies from child to child.

Parents can prepare for that initial dental appointment in several ways, including talking about going to the dentist in positive ways and by promoting sound dental health by watching for bad habits that can start early.

When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?

Experts in the dental field recommend taking your child to their first dental visit within six months after their first tooth appears and no later their first birthday. Children typically experience their first tooth eruption about six months of age, although the exact timing varies from child to child.

To prepare for this first visit, you want to plan the appointment in the morning, so your child is alert and fresh, although this is something that’s often easier said than done.

Like securing an appointment with the doctor, scheduling with a dentist can take months.

One strategy is to schedule an appointment for six or seven months after they are born and one month out, check to see if your child has a tooth ready for the dentist to examine. If not, move the appointment back one or two months. Often moving an appointment is easier than scheduling the initial one.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Visit

Scheduling the appointment in the morning is the best time for children to experience this event. To get them ready for the appointment, start talking to them in a positive way about what to expect at the dentists. You can also go through some practice steps, such as having them practice opening their mouth for the dentist to look at their teeth.

Another good way to prepare your child for their first dental visit is to read books or watch videos about first visits. These items can help prevent your child from becoming afraid of dental visits. There are ways parents can prepare themselves as well.

When you make the first appointment for your baby or young child, ask any questions you have about the visit. It will save time when you arrive with your child if your questions are answered, instead of delaying your child's checkup with the dentist. To prepare for your questions, make a list of them, such as:

Teething questions about how to handle this time with your child

If your child sucks their thumb, ask any questions you might have about how this affects their teeth or mouth

If your child is still using a pacifier, ask any questions you might have on the effects of this in your child's mouth

What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Visit

During your child’s initial visit, the dentist can give you information about things to keep an eye on before the second visit and beyond. Among them:

Finger-sucking habits

Baby-bottle tooth decay

Pacifier habits

Infant feeding practices

Mouth cleaning

Throughout your child’s time in the exam/cleaning room, you can hold your child on your lap if they are nervous or afraid of sitting alone in the big chair.

For the bulk of the visit the dentist will spend time examining your child’s teeth and jaw and how they are developing. The dentist will also look for any cavities, gum and mouth injuries. Once the exam is complete, the dentist will clean your child's teeth.

Dentists and their hygienists are used to children who squirm, wiggle, twitch and cry. Remember: this is a new and potentially scary experience for kids. Unless they happen to see another child in the lobby while waiting to get called back, the child may be surrounded only by adults, adding to the fear factor.

Tips for a Successful First Dental Visit

Here are some tips to help with your child's first visit to the dentist:

Schedule the appointment during the morning hours and, if possible, during a time you know your child will be rested and more cooperative.

When you think about the appointment, you need to think of it as a positive experience. If you have a good outlook on it, your feelings will extend to your child.

Remember that you and the dentist are a team, and you should work with them to keep your child calm and happy.

Before leaving for the appointment, feed your child a light meal and have them brush their teeth.

Don't give snacks until after the appointment. You want to minimize any debris left in their mouths or on their teeth for the exam.

Cavities, or tooth decay, are one the most common diseases for American children. If tooth decay goes untreated, it will cause significant infections and pain for kids. Untreated cavities can also lead to other serious problems, such as:

Studies have shown that children with poor oral health miss more school than children who practice good oral health practices.

Tips for Good Oral Health for Children

Oral health at home is important for your baby's and young child's health, both physically and orally. If you have a baby, you can follow these tips to maintain your baby's oral health:

Two times a day wipe your baby's gums with a soft cloth. Do this once in the morning after their first feeding, and then again before bed. This process will remove bacteria and sugars that can lead to cavities in developing teeth.

When your baby's teeth start to come in or erupt, begin brushing them twice a day. Use a small-bristled, soft toothbrush with plain water.

Provide your baby with drinking water that has fluoride.

Talk to both your doctor and dentist about having fluoride varnish or dental sealants on your child's teeth. Ask them when this process should be done.

If your child is younger than 6, you should monitor them when they brush their teeth and help if needed. They should be placing a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their brush, and spit it out, not swallow it. Continue monitoring them until they have developed good brushing skills.

If your child is younger than the age of 2, talk to your doctor or dentist about using toothpaste with fluoride in them.

If your drinking water does not have sufficient fluoride in it to prevent cavities (0.7 milligrams per liter) ask your dentist if your child needs oral fluoride supplements. Fluoride supplements come in lozenges, tablets, or drop form. If you don’t know your fluoride levels, you can call your water utility company and ask or request a copy of their recent “consumer confidence report.”

You should plan your child's first dental visit after you see their first tooth, but no later than their first birthday. Children’s teeth tend to erupt about six months after birth.

During your child's first dental visit, the dentist will examine their teeth and mouth to ensure they are developing the way they should. The dentist will also look for any cavities, mouth injuries and other oral issues.

When Should Baby Visit the Dentist for the First Time?

Medical review policy, latest update:, when to schedule baby's first dental visit, how to choose a dentist for your child, read this next, what happens at baby's first dentist visit, tips to make your child’s dentist visit easier, how often to visit the dentist.

Based on how your toddler’s teeth look, your dentist will let you know when to make the next visit. Most experts recommend that toddlers see the dentist about every six months — as long as there are no major problems. So don’t forget to schedule your child’s second appointment on your way out the door!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd Edition, Heidi Murkoff. What to Expect the Second Year , Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Toddler Dental Care , March 2019. WhatToExpect.com, Is Your Toddler Teething? , April 2020. WhatToExpect.com, Preventing Cavities and Keeping Baby's Teeth Healthy , April 2020. WhatToExpect.com, Brushing Baby's Teeth , July 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Baby's First Tooth: 7 Facts Parents Should Know , November 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Good Oral Health Starts Early , November 2020 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Frequently Asked Questions , 2021. American Dental Association, Taking Care of Your Child’s Smile , May 2014.

Go to Your Baby's Age

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Healthcare in Moscow – Personal and Family Medicine

Emergency : 112 or 103

Obstetric & gynecologic : +7 495 620-41-70

About medical services in Moscow

Moscow polyclinic

Emergency medical care is provided free to all foreign nationals in case of life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical treatment. You will be given first aid and emergency surgery when necessary in all public health care facilities. Any further treatment will be free only to people with a Compulsory Medical Insurance, or you will need to pay for medical services. Public health care is provided in federal and local care facilities. These include 1. Urban polyclinics with specialists in different areas that offer general medical care. 2. Ambulatory and hospitals that provide a full range of services, including emergency care. 3. Emergency stations opened 24 hours a day, can be visited in a case of a non-life-threatening injury. It is often hard to find English-speaking staff in state facilities, except the largest city hospitals, so you will need a Russian-speaking interpreter to accompany your visit to a free doctor or hospital. If medical assistance is required, the insurance company should be contacted before visiting a medical facility for treatment, except emergency cases. Make sure that you have enough money to pay any necessary fees that may be charged.

Insurance in Russia

Travelers need to arrange private travel insurance before the journey. You would need the insurance when applying for the Russian visa. If you arrange the insurance outside Russia, it is important to make sure the insurer is licensed in Russia. Only licensed companies may be accepted under Russian law. Holders of a temporary residence permit or permanent residence permit (valid for three and five years respectively) should apply for «Compulsory Medical Policy». It covers state healthcare only. An employer usually deals with this. The issued health card is shown whenever medical attention is required. Compulsory Medical Policyholders can get basic health care, such as emergencies, consultations with doctors, necessary scans and tests free. For more complex healthcare every person (both Russian and foreign nationals) must pay extra, or take out additional medical insurance. Clearly, you will have to be prepared to wait in a queue to see a specialist in a public health care facility (Compulsory Medical Policyholders can set an appointment using EMIAS site or ATM). In case you are a UK citizen, free, limited medical treatment in state hospitals will be provided as a part of a reciprocal agreement between Russia and UK.

Some of the major Russian insurance companies are:

Ingosstrakh , Allianz , Reso , Sogaz , AlfaStrakhovanie . We recommend to avoid  Rosgosstrakh company due to high volume of denials.

Moscow pharmacies

A.v.e pharmacy in Moscow

Pharmacies can be found in many places around the city, many of them work 24 hours a day. Pharmaceutical kiosks operate in almost every big supermarket. However, only few have English-speaking staff, so it is advised that you know the generic (chemical) name of the medicines you think you are going to need. Many medications can be purchased here over the counter that would only be available by prescription in your home country.

Dental care in Moscow

Dentamix clinic in Moscow

Dental care is usually paid separately by both Russian and expatriate patients, and fees are often quite high. Dentists are well trained and educated. In most places, dental care is available 24 hours a day.

Moscow clinics

«OAO Medicina» clinic

It is standard practice for expats to visit private clinics and hospitals for check-ups, routine health care, and dental care, and only use public services in case of an emergency. Insurance companies can usually provide details of clinics and hospitals in the area speak English (or the language required) and would be the best to use. Investigate whether there are any emergency services or numbers, or any requirements to register with them. Providing copies of medical records is also advised.

Moscow hosts some Western medical clinics that can look after all of your family’s health needs. While most Russian state hospitals are not up to Western standards, Russian doctors are very good.

Some of the main Moscow private medical clinics are:

American Medical Center, European Medical Center , Intermed Center American Clinic ,  Medsi , Atlas Medical Center , OAO Medicina .

Several Russian hospitals in Moscow have special arrangements with GlavUPDK (foreign diplomatic corps administration in Moscow) and accept foreigners for checkups and treatments at more moderate prices that the Western medical clinics.

Medical emergency in Moscow

Moscow ambulance vehicle

In a case of a medical emergency, dial 112 and ask for the ambulance service (skoraya pomoshch). Staff on these lines most certainly will speak English, still it is always better to ask a Russian speaker to explain the problem and the exact location.

Ambulances come with a doctor and, depending on the case, immediate first aid treatment may be provided. If necessary, the patient is taken to the nearest emergency room or hospital, or to a private hospital if the holder’s insurance policy requires it.

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Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

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Break-dancing busts into the Olympics for the first time. Here’s what to expect in Paris.

Get ready for plenty of how-did-they-do-that moments when the Paris Games introduce break-dancing as an official Olympic sport.

Bodies will be contorted, gravity will seemingly be defied, and athletes will be showcasing “headspins,” “windmills” and “freeze” moves — and it will all be set to music.

The sport, also known as breaking, made its successful debut at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where it topped 1 million viewers, according to NBC Olympics, far outpacing audiences for many other sports. The Olympics declared it an "outstanding success," and now both the organizers and the athletes hope to translate that magic to the biggest stage in sports.

“This is a chance for us to grow and educate people on breaking,” Jeffrey Louis   (B-Boy Jeffro), told NBC Olympics . Louis, the fifth-ranked B-boy in the world, is considered a favorite for one of the remaining spots on the U.S. Olympic team.

Breaking joins other newer sports, including three that were added to the Olympic program for the first time at the 2020 Tokyo Games — surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing.

Adding those sports to the official Olympics roster is an attempt by the International Olympic Committee to reach a younger audience, given that “all four are easy to take up and participants form communities that are very active on social media,” according to the Paris Olympics .

The committee, known as the IOC, hopes millions of kids worldwide will be inspired to take up the sports themselves.

“If we get it right, we can create something unstoppable,” Louis said. “We can’t let it pass us up again, because the first time breaking blew up, it fizzled out.”

What is breaking?

The dance-battle sport is “characterised by acrobatic movements, stylised footwork and the key role played by the DJ and the MC (master of ceremonies) during battles,” according to the Paris Olympics.

Some of the moves will have audiences wondering where the halfpipe is as athletes twist and turn like they should have boards under their feet.

The sport’s techniques include top rock (standing footwork) and down rock (moves on the floor), power moves (twists and spins) and the freeze, when breakers freeze in poses while using their heads or hands for support.

How will it work?

The breaking competition in Paris will be divided into two events — one for women and one for men — and they will take place Aug. 9 and 10 at La Concorde Urban Park.

In total, 16 B-boys or 16 B-girls will “go face to face in spectacular solo battles,” according to the Paris Olympics.

The competitors will show off their best moves as they try to keep up with the beat of the DJ's tracks, improvising to stay alive in the dance battle with a combination of "power moves," including windmills, the 6-step and freezes, according to the Paris Olympics.

Judges will then vote, paving the way for the first breaking medalists in Olympic history.

Who is on the U.S. Olympic breaking team?

The U.S. will be represented by four breakers — two B-boys and two B-girls — who will compete in solo battles for the gold medal.

So far, two U.S. breakers have qualified : Sunny Choi (B-Girl Sunny) and Victor Montalvo (B-Boy Victor).

From the Bronx to Paris

It has been a decades-long battle to get breaking to the main stage.

The dance style, which has roots in hip-hop culture, originated at block parties in New York City in the 1970s, according to the Paris Olympics.

Louis said the sport originated in a rec room in the Bronx, where “a legendary DJ named Kool Herc debuted a new technique that centered around percussive ‘breaks’ in songs. During these breaks, the crowd would start dancing, which became known as breaking, or breakdancing.”

By the 1980s, it was hitting the mainstream with groups like the Rock Steady Crew, the Dynamic Rockers and the New York City Breakers, who innovated new — and more complex — moves.

It gained wider visibility thanks in part to the 1983 movie "Flashdance." While the film included only a few short breaking scenes — featuring the Rock Steady Crew — USA Dance said it inspired people around the world to try breaking. But the end of the ’80s, it had fizzled.

Breakers invited fellow dancers out of early retirement to jump-start the scene once again, according to USA Dance . International Battle of the Year, the first large-scale, formally judged breaking event, began in the ’90s, which helped with the sport’s revival and ushered in a new era of interest. Other international competitions also began in the decade, some of which remain active today.

International resurgence

Since then, "breaking has evolved into a global cultural art form with many elements of sport," according to USA Dance.

The national organization says a number of breaking schools have opened across the U.S. in the last decade, providing spaces for a new, young generation of breakers to learn and hone the craft.

The World DanceSport Federation now governs the sport internationally and is recognized by the IOC as such.

Whitney Carter, director of internally managed sports at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, helped form Breaking for Gold USA, a group dedicated to getting breakers in the country ready for the world's biggest games, NBC Olympics reported.

"Now, the USA is a front-runner at the Olympics," Tyquan Hodac, USA Dance's breaking communications director, told NBC Olympics. "We’re the powerhouse. Every other country is looking up to us."

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.