Going to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience not just for young children, but also for their parents. There are people in scrubs, masks, and goggles using loud, unfamiliar equipment that can look intimidating and sometimes feel uncomfortable. It’s completely normal to be nervous.
So, should parents go back into the dental treatment room with their children?
It depends.
- Very young children may find reassurance in having a parent present.
- Parents often feel more in control and aware of what’s happening, which can help ease the anxiety of not knowing what’s going on behind closed doors.
- When parents watch the dentist work, they can see for themselves that even if a child is crying or fussing, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re being harmed. Crying is often just a normal reaction to being nervous or unfamiliar with the situation, not because anything bad is happening.
- Some children, especially school-age kids, actually behave worse when Mom or Dad is in the room. They may whine, fuss, or become less cooperative.
- Parents can unintentionally distract the dentist and team while they’re performing detailed procedures that require concentration.
- Parents with dental anxiety can unknowingly pass those fears on to their children, who are very good at picking up on nervousness.
- Other siblings generally should not be in the treatment room, as they almost always make the visit more difficult.
At Autumn Family Dentistry, parents are always welcome in the treatment room. You’re also welcome to relax in the reception area if that’s a better fit for your family. You know your child best.
That said, our top priorities are patient safety and providing efficient, effective treatment. If you choose to come back to the operatories, please help us by allowing our clinicians to focus and avoiding unnecessary distractions.
The only exception? During x-rays, we kindly ask that parents just take a step back into the hallway while the images are being taken.