My 3 year old had a pediatric dentist appointment last week. It was not her first visit to the dentist. Everyone seemed pleasant as usual. When it was time for her to go back to the exam room and we were walking down the hallway, the assistant took my daughter by the hand, walked ahead of me and went into the room and shut the door. Of course I tried to open the door, but it was locked! I knocked and the assistant opened the door and said, “She needs to learn how to see the dentist on her own or she’ll grow up and be an adult that can’t see the dentist without someone being there.” At this point my daughter was screaming. I calmly insisted that my daughter be released, which the assistant immediately cooperated with. We left and needless to say I will never return again. All the office staff looked alarmed at me! I was completely furious and I let them all know it. Now I have to start all over again finding a dentist for her. What can I do to be certain that this won’t happen again? – C.T.
C.T. – We are very sorry to hear about the traumatic experience that you and your daughter had. It is very unlikely that you experience this issue at another dentist’s office. But we do have some suggestions as you choose a new dentist for your daughter.
Check with your own dentist to see if he or she treats children. Many general dentists are family dentists. If you have a dentist whom you trust, you and your daughter will be much more comfortable there. Many parents specifically look for a trustworthy dentist who will treat the entire family.
If your dentist does not accept children as patients, have consultations with several pediatric dentists, and bring your daughter with you to the appointments. Ask specific questions about their policy regarding parents coming into the treatment room. Also, pay close attention to if, and how, your daughter is spoken to and treated during the consultation. When both of you are comfortable with a particular office and staff, it will help you narrow your choice.
This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.