Parents averse to their own dental visits may transmit negative messages to children before, during and after a dental treatment. Parents who are afraid of the dentist need to change their mindset. Most children are not only comfortable, but even curious during a first dental exam and cavity-filling procedures. However, a child may become problematic when the accompanying parent laces soothing messages with hints of fear or anxiety and relays incorrect assumptions about procedures. Pre-treatment meetings with a parent provide directions and guidelines for the parent if he or she wishes to accompany their child during treatment.
Parents learn how to provide moral support and to maintain a low, calm voice.
It is also important for the same parent to accompany the child during each sequential visit to fill any cavities. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. 211 East Chicago Ave. All rights reserved.