Ready for School: A visit to the doctor, dentist

Amanda's check-up at Mercer Island Pediatric Associates givers her parents confidence that she's ready for kindergarten.

Eye exam can catch vision problems that could interfere with learning to read. Another test could uncover hearing loss that might make it tough to pay attention at school.

They are essential tests, and just the beginning of a complete well-child visit, says pediatrician Dr. Danette Glassy

"I also tested that her eye muscles worked well, and her pupils were responsive to the light as they should be," said Dr. Glassy. "her facial features were symmetrical and moving as they should be. Her ears were clear. Her nose was fine. Her teeth looked great."

Another indicator that she's right on track for her age, her coordination is developing.

This visit is also a great time to check up on nutrition, safety, and issues with motor skills and language development.

One more thing doctors recommend for kindergarteners - Amanda's already had her shots.

"It's our policy here to try to do the immunizations at the four year visit," said Dr. Glassy.

This clinic has been Amanda's medical home since she was born. That continuity is key in helping her prepare for what she's looking forward to now.???

"Reading stories and singing songs," she said.

Dentists take a bite out of tooth decay

Preschoolers at Seattle's Highline Headstart program spend more time learning about their teeth than you'd probably expect in a school day.

It's part of the program's overall mission to get young children off to a good start.

They talk about caring for teeth and eating foods that won't hurt teeth. It's an issue becoming more and more important in early learning.

Four in 10 low income preschoolers have tooth decay. By the third grade, six in 10 kids suffer from tooth decay, and it's not easy for young kids to verbalize that their teeth are causing them pain.

And when they're in pain, their education is in jeopardy. Teacher Heather Floyd sees it all the time.

"If kids' mouths hurt, they can't possible learn, and they miss a lot of school time at home with toothaches," she said.

Dr. Juan Carlos Salazar says it's never too soon to start good oral hygiene habits.

"When they're little, it's a lot easier. It's harder to change bad habits later on," he said.

And it's also harder to convince older kids the dentist isn't such a bad guy after all.

The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit the dentist no later than their first birthday.