Pediatric dentists have two to three years of advanced study and hands-on training focused on the oral health and unique needs of young people, so they’re experts in working with anxious children.
Parents can help dental visits go smoothly by taking a low-key approach. According to John Rosemond, best-selling author and parenting expert, “Parents should tell children about the appointment a half-hour before they leave and treat it like it’s a visit to the grocery store. They should inform their children that everyone with good teeth goes to the dentist, and never express any personal anxieties they may have about dental care to the child.”
Parents and caregivers should consult the AAPD’s guideline on Behavior Guidance for the Pediatric Dental Patient at www.aapd.org/ and discuss options with their pediatric dentist prior to bringing the child to the dentist. This will ensure clear communication between parents and pediatric dentists and will serve to alleviate any anxiety the caregiver may feel about the child’s dental visit.