How Parents Can Help
“How can I prepare my child for his or her first dental visit?”
Less is more! Simply say “I’m not sure, but I know Dr. Pat and her friends will explain everything to you.” Few pediatric dentists were available when most of us were children, so it is important not to misinform your child based on your own childhood dental experiences.
“Should I be in the treatment area with my child?”
Please let us decide! Our goal is to have each child come back on his or her own by kindergarten in order to develop a warm, positive, and trusting relationship with us. Parental presence often interferes with this goal. Take a few minutes to relax in the reception room with a good book or magazine, and we will invite you back to the clinical area if we need your help. However, parents of children with special needs are often asked to assist in the treatment area.
“If I am invited to be in the treatment area, what do I say?”
Nothing at all! Seriously, we need you to be a “silent partner.” Simply sit on the bench as a quiet and reassuring presence. After a few visits, your child will no longer need your silent presence, and will be fully engaged with us. Please do not say “squeeze my hand” or “be brave,” or promise toys or ice cream after the visit. The true reward should be the self-esteem your child feels because he or she listened well, and actually had fun being successful at doing something new ON HIS OR HER OWN!
“What's Dr. Pat’s approach to treating my child?”
Positive, positive, positive! We have a child-centered approach based on years of experience both in dentistry and as parents. We sing, we tell jokes, and we act silly – ANYTHING to make the visit as enjoyable as possible. Some children are more challenging than others, and that’s okay! We also have our own special vocabulary. A few examples are:
- WE SAY “sleepy juice” and NEVER SAY “needle or shot.”
- WE SAY “tooth whistle” and NEVER SAY “drill.”
- WE SAY “wiggle” and NEVER SAY “pull out.”
- WE SAY “bother” and NEVER SAY “hurt” or “pain.”
The NEVER words are triggers for anxiety and fear, so please totally eliminate them from your own vocabulary!
“What should I say when my child’s visit is over?”
Try “Your teeth look so clean and strong!” Please never ask, “Did it hurt?” Just smile and say, “Wow, now you have healthy, happy teeth!” Together we can create a lifelong positive attitude toward dentistry for our children.
Welcome to our team!
With love,
Dr. Pat and Her Team
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Not Dental/Medical Advice. This website is for informational purposes only. This information does not replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions regarding a dental/medical condition, always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professional. Developments in dental research may impact this information. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
