My DD was almost 3yrs old for her first visit. I was honest from the start & told her we were going to the dentist so they could count her teeth & see how shiny they were from her brushing properly.

To be honest she didnt like sitting in the big chair on her own & the dentist suggested I sit in the chair & she sits on my lap. That did the trick (I have heard a few of my friends say they also did that). She wasn't scared of the dentist, just didnt like the big chair

Her next visit a yr later (almost 4yrs old) was a breeze. She sat in the chair without a fuss & loved the "cool" sunnies she gets to wear. She loves getting the goody bag with toothpaste, balloon etc when she leaves too.

She has another visit coming up soon as she starts school in Feb but I know she'll be fine.

My only suggestion is to be honest, don't trick her or throw it all on her once she's already there... thats just my opinion though. You'll be surprised how much they actually understand at that age Oh & just like you're already doing... make sure she doesnt hear any negative stories about dentist visits, cause that would have anyone scared

Good luck, I'm sure she'll be fine once she see's there's nothing to be afraid of!