I have 2 kids. My son is 4 yrs old and my daughter is 8 yrs old. The 4 yr old is afraid of nothing including the dentist. My daughter has always been afraid of the dentist even though to my knowledge she has never had a bad experience. The last 2 dental appointments my daughter had did not go well. She got really nervous and teary both times. On her most recent visit 3 weeks ago, the teeth cleaning went okay because the hygienist was patient, but when the dentist came in he looked at my daughter and said, “What are you crying for? Cry babies don’t get balloons in this office.” I think it scared my daughter so she really started sobbing. I tried to comfort her and the dentist yelled at me and told me that they didn’t need me in the room. He said I was making it worse for my daughter. I didn’t leave the room. I asked him to release my daughter so we could reschedule. We have been going to this dentist for 3 years. Although I was never really thrilled with the dentist, I didn’t dislike him either and we have been very pleased with the hygienists. I didn’t want to make a quick decision on whether or not to return, so I gave it some time. Any suggestions? – Heather
Heather – If your daughter is uncomfortable with dental appointments, her most recent experience has made her even more uncomfortable. Her long-term oral health is too important to allow her to have traumatic dental appointments.
Yelling at patients is unacceptable. You can consider finding a new pediatric dentist. Ask friends for references or do Internet searches to find a few experienced dentists. Request consultations and take your children with you to the appointments. You will be able to see the office, and meet the staff and dentist to help you decide on a dentist with whom you and your children are comfortable.
After your first official appointment, if you or your children are not comfortable, don’t hesitate to move on.
This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
