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Rick Van Tran
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Dr. Rick Tran was originally born in the southern part of Vietnam but was raised in Salinas, California. He received his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from UCLA in 1999 and shortly thereafter, completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery from New York University. He has been practicing dentistry since 2004. Dr. Rick joined the Manteca practice as of October 2008 as Drs. Cardenas and Richmond were transitioning into retirement. Beginning October 14, 2009, Cardenas, Richmond & Tran Dental will be branded as Manteca Dental Care.

We strive to provide top quality dental care with an experience that is unparalleled. Manteca Dental Care is devoted to making your dental visit as comfortable as possible while getting the necessary care to optimize your dental health. In addition to routine general and family dentistry, Dr. Rick also provides cosmetic and full mouth restorations, which includes, but not limited to; implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontics, and bleaching. He is also certified to safely sedate patients who are apprehensive or terrified about seeking dental treatment. We will go out of our way to give all the members of your family, from kids to adults, the personal attention, comfort, and good dental care they deserve. We truly will treat your family like it was our own.

Contact Information
Phone: 209-823-9218
Fax: 209-823-1134
Address: 521 East Center Street
  Manteca, CA 95336
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Dentistry Questions Answered by Rick Van Tran »
Section: Dentistry
Q:  How old should your child be for their first dentist visit?
A: 

Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future.

Many first visits are nothing more than introductory icebreakers to acquaint your child with the dentist and the practice. If your child is frightened, uncomfortable or non-cooperative, a rescheduling may be necessary. Patience and calm on the part of the parent and reassuring communication with your child are very important in these instances. Short, successive visits are meant to build the child's trust in the dentist and the dental office, and can prove invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problem. Child appointments should always be scheduled earlier in the day, when your child is alert and fresh. For children under 36 months, the parent may need to sit in the dental chair and hold the child during the examination. Or, parents may be asked to wait in the reception area so a relationship can be built between your child and the dentist. 

The dentist should be able to answer any questions you have and try to make you and your child feel comfortable throughout the visit. The entire dental team should provide a relaxed, non-threatening environment for your child.

Happy Brushing!

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