Category: Pediatric Dentist and Kids

Top 6 Tips to know about Your Pediatric Dentist for Your Family

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Tip 5 How do Pediatric Dentist’s feel about Parents in the treatment room?

WE LOVE PARENTS!

We want you to feel totally comfortable whether you want to be in or out of the room. A little in, a little out, one foot in, one foot out, listening behind the wall, sitting on the chair. The choice is yours. Why? You know your child best

The Choice is Yours

Want to stay in the room? Here’s some tips:

Knowing you are there will automatically allow your child to feel comfortable. Standing slightly out of site and not letting facial expressions (above the mask) be seen decreases the possibility that a worried look will upset your child. Even the youngest children are very attuned to their parent’s facial cues.

Be a silent observer. This allows your Pediatric Dentist to build rapport and provide positive coaching for your child.

If your child needs reassurance you can sit on the chair and hold their hand or have your toddler sit on your lap.

If you decide not to come in your Pediatric Dentist will talk with you afterwards. It’s always our goal to keep you informed about your child’s oral health and development. Plus we want to tell you what an awesome helper they are!

Tip 6 Do Pediatric Dentists have recommendations about what to say about an upcoming appointment?

Yes we do because this is so helpful for setting the tone for your child’s visit.

It’s always best to keep it light and positive.

You may want to start talking about your upcoming appointment the day before or a few days before your visit. You may want to start your own tradition with a personal tooth brushing song, or read books and watch movies. Maybe you’ll start family brushing time to show your Pediatric Dentist what a great job you do.

FYI – stay tuned for my upcoming post on Top Books to read with your Child before visiting your Pediatric Dentist.

You and your Pediatric Dentist are on the same team and together will establish positive expectations and experiences for your child.

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Top 6 tips to know about Your Pediatric Dentist for Your Family

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Tip 3 So what is a Pediatric Dentist’s specific style?

Great question! 

One of our primary approaches is Tell-Show-Do.  This is the way we introduce everything dental at each appointment.  

Now you’re asking, how do you do this?  You guessed it, we explain (tell) what we are going to do in appropriate words for your child’s age and level of understanding.  We introduce (show) your child to what we are going to do for them in a simplified manner with some demonstrations and naming some instruments with funny names (looking glass, tooth counter, mr. thirsty, straw, and there are more).  Then we begin (do) the appointment.  

There is also Positive Reinforcement, where we praise and reward children for behaviors that help them accomplish their dental care in a happy way.

Sometimes if necessary, we use Distraction.  This involves choosing words extra extra carefully while placing a child’s attention on conversation, movies, music, or video games; at the same time encouraging, engaging and supporting the child to have a positive experience.

Tip 4 What is the benefit of these concepts?

In a word, Empowerment.

Empowerment for the short term, as it is introducing what is new and unknown in a kind, respectful, fun, age appropriate way with the desire to create and build on positive experiences, allowing children to build trust and feel comfortable with the office and their Pediatric Dentist.  

Empowerment for the long term, because it is creating a life time of regular happy, stress free oral health care appointments.

Stay Tuned for Tip 5

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Top 6 tips to know about Your Pediatric Dentist for Your Family

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Tip 1 You’re wondering, why take my child to a Pediatric Dentist?  Isn’t my Dentist okay and it’s one less trip?

Maybe it is or maybe it isn’t.

Did you know that Pediatric Dentists are the Pediatricians of Dentistry. As Pediatric Dentists we have two to three years of specialty training following dental school and limit our practice to treating children only. 

That’s right, from your child’s first tooth to College graduation. We’re there with you from their first tooth, for every new tooth, every tooth bump and every tumble.

We are both primary and specialty oral health care providers for ALL infants and children through adolescence and young adulthood.

For children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with special health needs we are your go to Dentist. Our goal for you is to receive care while also providing insights for what you are experiencing, will experience over the coming months, make suggestions and plans for your home routine while enhancing dental care.

Our Commitment to Your Family

We do what we do for your child because we CARE

Tip 2 Now you’re asking yourself, if we go, what is a Pediatric Dentist’s approach for children?

I’m glad you asked.  We strive every day and in every way to exceed your expectations because you are entrusting us with the care of your child.  

We do this by providing the highest quality state of the art personalized oral health care for your child in a compassionate, family friendly, relaxing environment where your comfort is our top priority.

Everything is specifically for children.  Our offices are transformed into magical kid friendly places (adjusted for COVID).  We know the cutting edge techniques, have the latest and greatest materials, and the best stuff. 

We understand “child’s time,” and give every child all the time he or she needs to build a long lasting relationship on mutual trust, respect, and confidence.

You and your Pediatric Dentist are on the same team with the joint goal to set up positive expectations and experiences for your child no matter their age.

Stay tuned for Tip 3

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!