Parent Behavior

You may choose whether or not you accompany your child during their dental treatment. Most parents in our practice stay with their younger children during treatment.  Occassionally we find that some children do better without their parents present and we will discuss the pros and cons of this with you.

There are important ways that you can actively help in the success of your child’s visit. If you choose to be present, please:

1. Allow US to prepare your child.  Much of our success with children depends on how we speak to them. We may not tell the whole story, but we do tell them what to expect.

2. You can best help as a silent observer — support your child with your touch.

A. This allows us to maintain communication with your child

B. Children may not hear us because they will normally listen to their parents first.

C. You might give incorrect or misleading information.

3. If we ask you to leave, please just step around the corner and wait to be called back.

Many children will try to control new situations by “acting out” and this can help to “short circuit” this behavior. We will continue to support your child at all times and have you back at their side when they settle back down.

We are confident that all will go well and hope these guidelines will help prepare you with confidence for the upcoming appointment.