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FIRST VISIT
Welcome to your
child’s new pediatric dental clinic. The first appointment is
very important to me. My goal is to create a fun, supportive,
non-fearful, and caring environment that allows your child to
develop a positive and healthy outlook on dentistry.
At our first
appointment we will examine your child’s teeth and gums and take any
necessary x-rays. For most children this will be a fun
experience. Parents play an important role in getting children
started with a good attitude toward dental care. One of the
useful things that you can do to help is to be completely natural
and easygoing when you tell your child about their appointment.
This approach enables children to view their dental visit as an
enjoyable opportunity to stay healthy.
Your cooperation
is appreciated. Remember, good general health depends partly on the
development of good habits, such as sensible eating, sleeping
routines, and exercise. Dental health also depends on good
habits, such as proper brushing, regular dental visits, and good
diet. We will have a chance to discuss these points during
your child’s appointment.
Please remember
to bring your ticket to the appointment so your child can be
eligible to be part of the CAVITY FREE CLUB!
HOW
PARENTS CAN HELP
Parents during
the dental appointment:
1. Help seat your
child.
2. Provide a hand
for your child to hold when they need it.
3. Keep siblings,
not being seen, with you at all times or with a babysitter.
4. Turn cellular
phones off when in the treatment area.
5. Let your child
do all the talking.
Instructions to
the parent:
1. Several days
before the appointment, tell your child casually that you both will
be visiting the dentist. Don't force the issue; don't be
over-sympathetic to the child or display any fear or misgiving in
your voice.
2. Please do not
voice your own personal fears in front of the child as this often
causes fear in your child.
3. Explain about
dental visits in a positive matter-of-fact manner, telling the child
that the dentist is a nice and helpful person.
4. Don't bribe
your child into going to the dentist because this will alarm your
child in thinking that there must be danger ahead.
5. Don't use
dentistry as a threat or punishment for your child. Always be
positive.
6. Don't promise
your child that the dentist will or will not do certain things. The
dentist should not be placed in a compromising situation where he is
limited in what he can do for your child.
7. Don't ask your
child if they want dental treatment. Give them choices instead, for
example: "Would you like me to brush your teeth first, or Dr. Thoa?"
8. Once you are
at the dental office,
please follow
the dentist's instructions closely. If you do as the dentist asks,
then your child will follow your example.
9. Bring your
child to the dental clinic for regular check-ups every six months.
INFORMATION SHEET for PARENTS ACCOMPANYING
THEIR CHILDREN
IN THE TREATMENT ROOM
As a pediatric
dentist, I want to do my very best for your child and this means
asking for your help. When you are in the treatment room you
can help your child work safely and harmoniously with me by
following these few guidelines.
1. Please
refrain from talking to your child.
There are times when I need to give specific instructions and the
child will become confused if many voices are telling him different
things. Also, while I know it is natural for you to speak
soothingly
to your child when he cries, when in the dental chair this may he
counterproductive (if you say it's "okay", it might not really be
for him/her). Remember, he may not know why he is crying, and may
cry harder when the parent is alarmed. I will give your child
many "hug breaks".
2. Please
transfer your authority to me.
It is less stressful for the child if he can recognize one clear
authority and ultimately I need to be in charge of the situation.
You can model this behavior for your child by listening to me and
doing what I ask. Then your child will be more receptive to me.
There may come a point where I need to ask you to leave the room.
Please do so, knowing that you are just leaving out of their sight,
not out of the room. Remember that even though you have
temporarily transferred authority to me as a behavior management
tool, at all times you are the absolute, final authority for your
child. My duty is to deliver the best dental care for your
child with your permission.
3.
Please understand the accepted methods of behavioral control that
dentists often use.
One of them is voice control. I need to modulate my voice
depending on the situation, from gentle to stem, in order to elicit
cooperation from the child. Know in advance that if I speak sternly,
I do so from concern and not out of anger.
4. Please
communicate your feelings with me.
You need to tell me honestly what you expect as a parent and I will
tell you what I can do as a dentist. If you are uncomfortable about
any methods of behavior management, please inform me before we start
treatment. If you need to discuss a concern during the procedure,
please ask me to stop and I will gladly do so. Do not grab my arms
or hands when I have instruments in them.
I love treating
children and find it very rewarding to be able to restore a happy,
healthy child's smile. Please help me gain cooperation from
your child to have a wonderful dental experience.
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