Dentist Questions

[aydee]

Just curious what's typical at a pediatric dentist office. My kids recently went to the dentist, DS for the first time, and DD had been once previously for a cavity. The dental office we go to has the kids go back totally independently and parents don't go back to talk to the dentist until the end when the kids are done. When I asked if DD2 (age 2.5) could go back with me for a couple minutes to observe part of the exam or cleaning so she would feel more comfortable when it's her turn in the future, they told me no. I was also a little surprised that they didn't have me accompany either of the kids back at any point during their first visit (DS was a little nervous but at least had his twin sister with him for some comfort).

Is this how your experiences have been as well? I'm considering trying another dental office but maybe this is just how it is. I certainly don't need to go back with the kids every time or stay with them the whole time, but they are still only 4. I find it kind of weird that I'm just supposed to hand them off to a complete stranger the first time they set foot in the dentist's waiting room and hope that they don't freak out.

[summer]

Ours is totally different. We've been going to the dentist since Feb13 turned 1, and I've always gone back with them. They have sometimes let me sit in the cair with the kids if they are being nervous. This last visit (maybe two months ago), they did take DS (Feb13) into another room while I stayed in the first room with DD, but they were right next to each other, I could hear everything, and we could go in as soon as DD was done with her visit. I've never felt like I couldn't go back with him; the dentist puts a ton of emphasis on the kids being as comfortable as possible, however that needs to happen.

[wineandcake]

I brought Mac with me before for my cleaning and never had an issue. When he went for his appt, they took him alone. I’m actually really glad they didn’t ask me to go with him. He likes to put on a show for me so it would have been dramatic. When he was alone I got my teeth done in the room right next to him and could hear him happily chatting away with the lady and doing exactly what she asked him to do. Since we moved we need to find a new dentist and I’m really hoping they do the same there.

[blablabirdie]

My kids' dentist has the parent go with and hold a hand. Then they walk thru what is going to happen. Finally they do it and explain at the same time. My kids have been surprisingly good about it and confusingly excited about the free toothbrush they get when they are done.

[aydee]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. We went to another pediatric office today and it was so different. They have all the parents come back with the kids from what I saw and the dental assistant was really kid friendly. They also had movies playing on a screen that the kids could watch while they were laying in the chair. We're definitely going to be switching to this new dentist. It was a much better experience!