In order to improve the chances of your child having a positive experience in our office, we are selective in our use of words. We try to avoid words that scare children due to previous experiences. Please support us by NOT USING negative words that are often associated with dental care.
| Don’t Use | Our Equivalent |
| needle or shot | sleepy juice |
| drill | whistle |
| drill on tooth | clean a tooth |
| pull or yank a tooth | wiggle a tooth out |
| decay, cavity | sugar bug |
| examination | count teeth |
| tooth cleaning | tickle teeth |
| explorer | toothpick |
| rubber dam | raincoat |
| gas | magic air |
This will help you understand your child’s description of the dental experience. Our intention is not to “FOOL” the child – it is to create an experience that is positive. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us build a good attitude for your child.
If your child needs a filling, you may choose whether or not to remain in the waiting room. Although we sense that some children do better without parents present, we are open to having you with your child. If you choose to be present, we suggest the following guidelines to improve chances of a positive outcome.
- All us to prepare your child.
- Be supportive of the practice’s terminology.
- Please be a silent observer – support your child with touches. This allows us to maintain communication with your child. Children will normally listen to their parents instead of us and may not hear our guidance. You may give incorrect or misleading information.
- If asked to leave, be ready to immediately walk away. Many children try to control the situation. “Acting out” is normal, but unacceptable during fillings. This is intended to “short circuit” the control attempt. We will continue to support your child at all times.
These are very important ways that you can actively help in the success of your child’s visit. We are confident that all will go well and hope the guidelines will help prepare you with confidence for the upcoming appointment.
