Kid's Corner

Children are a large and enjoyable part of our practice. We begin seeing them regularly at age three to screen for early problems.
 

Our treatment of children includes evaluation of facial growth, orthodontic problems and psychological needs. In some cases we devote as much time to a young patient as an adult. Early treatment of beginning dental problems can prevent the need for extensive (and expensive) repair work later.

Please don't over-prepare them. Please treat the dental appointment casually, and don't have a long talk about it. Children will expect a more difficult experience if you do.

If you are anxious, please stay out of the room. Children are experts at picking up on adults' body language. If you feel tense or anxious in the dental office, this will be transferred to your child if you stand in the room with them. Send them with a parent or relative who is comfortable with dentistry - or stay in the reception area.

Let us do the talking and explaining. We need your child's concentration to do the best job and we have to minimize distractions. When the parent is talking or repeating, it divides the child's attention and makes it much more difficult to accomplish treatment. Please re-assure your child with your presence, but be a "silent partner".

Watch your language. We ask that emotionally-loaded words be avoided with children. We do not speak of needles or drills to kids - and we ask that you don't either.
Here are a few much better expressions that are standard language in our office: