A to Z Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics Office Policies

Parental Presence in the Dental Treatment Area

Four years old & over

Most children four years of age and older are able to behave better if we let them focus on only the voice of the dental assistant or dentist. Therefore, we often request that parents separate from their child for a few minutes while the dental assistant takes X-Rays on exam visits and treatment visits. At a treatment visit, the brief separation often leads to the dentist being able to orientate the child and introduce the child to nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and the dental procedure in a way that causes the least anxiety for the patient. These first few minutes are critical to a child’s successful treatment. Often parents say the wrong thing to a child and inadvertently have the child focus on “shots” and “pulling’ teeth. We generally can get better early visit cooperation than parents can by explaining things in ways that reduce a child’s fears. We avoid the words needles, shots, tooth pulling, bleeding, hurt and pain when we are allowed to attempt early visit communication.

Children under Three Years of Age

One Parent is allowed in for treatment visits and after x-rays are obtained or attempted. A parent is also permitted in the treatment room throughout the treatment visit if they can be passive observers.

Children Twelve & Over

We try to determine the child's preference for parental presence. If the child and parent prefer for the parent to come into the treatment room, the parent is permitted in after a few minutes of orientation and the start of anesthesia procedures.

Sedation In-Office Cases

Sedation policy does not allow parents in the operatory room.

Hospital Outpatient Anesthesia Cases

Hospital policy does not allow parents in the operating room.

** Sometimes, the Dentist may have to modify the policy based on patient and parent cooperation.

**Parents who cannot follow the policy are welcome to seek second opinions or care at another practice.