AAPD’s Parental Guidelines That We Follow

During your child’s appointment, our team will call the patient to be seen.  You have the option to tour the clinic and operatory room that they will be seen beforehand or wait in the waiting area.  Our many years of experience and studies have shown that children often behave better without their parents present in the clinic area.  The dental visit is an opportunity for the child to begin to develop a relationship of trust with the dentist and our team. Without realizing it, parents may misdirect a child’s attention, or give inaccurate information and the child then relies on the parent instead of the dentist. While we love interacting with parents, we don’t want to miss the opportunity to interact with your child. By waiting in our reception area, it allows the child to take ownership of the appointment and it gives our team the opportunity to develop a trusting relationship with your child.  When the doctor finishes doing their treatment plan for what they diagnose in the mouth, you will be invited in to be informed of the diagnosis and treatment options.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents of older children remain in the waiting room when children are brought into the dental appointment. Babies and some young children may benefit from having one of their parents in the appointment with them, but it’s usually in a child’s best interest to be treated without parental interference.

Research has shown that children over the age of 3, often respond better to dental treatment when their parents aren’t in sight. Many of our team members have children of their own. Our dental team is specially trained to handle many behavioral problems that might arise. Our dental team has experience treating the smallest of children, and patients with some of the most severe disabilities.

Let’s face it, dental appointments can be uneasy for adults too. A parent may have apprehension about their own experience in the dental chair. Without intending to, parents can transfer their anxiety to the child. Allowing your child to enter the appointment without you means you’re placing trust in our dental team and teaching your child to do the same. It is our specialty to create an environment in which your child feels safe.