OBJECTIVE This study examined factors related to young children's distress during preventive oral health visits. Additionally, associations between parent-reported child behaviour during the dental visit and during previous medical visits were tested. METHODS One hundred twenty-two children under 3 years of age enrolled in a government insurance programme for low-income children were seen for examination, prophylaxis, and fluoride application at a university-based dental clinic. Child distress was rated by parents on a numerical rating scale. RESULTS The average age of children enrolled was 23.5 ± 7.3 months. The majority (55.7 %) were judged to have little or no distress pre-examination. Mild or no distress during the examination was reported for 42.6 % of the children and severe distress was reported for 39.4 %. Intensity of distress during the examination was not associated with the child's age, gender, dental health, or previous experience with dental care. Distress was also unrelated to the caregiver's education level or own dental health. Intensity of distress was associated with the child's pre-dental examination distress and distress during prior medical examinations and injections. CONCLUSIONS Dental professionals can better anticipate child distress by assessing children before a dental examination and enquiring about previous medical experiences. Strategies to prepare parents and alleviate distress may help children cope with the preventive dental visit.