Should Parents Accompany Children in the Dental Treatment Room?

Should Parents Accompany Children in the Dental Treatment Room?

“Going to the Dentist” is an important behavior that children acquire in the process of “growing up.”  Some children are conditioned to receive new lessons in life, easily. while other Yellow Springs Kids become emotionally distraught when they encounter any new departure from their usual routines.Painting by Grant Wood

Absent Special Needs, parents encourage growth in their children so that they will be able to fly on their own when it’s time to leave the nest. 
Going to the Dentist is just a normal  part of growing up.

Learning to Fly Solo

The fact is, whether a parent or guardian should be in the dental operatory always depends on the child’s level of emotional development.

 Dr. Russell is skilled at providing comfortable dentistry for most kids.  An important part of his suggestion techniques is to have the child’s entire attention focused on Dr. Russell.  Parents in the treatment room divert the child’s attention from Dr. Russell (especially when they talk to the child) and the child ends up being confused as to which cues to follow-Dr. R's or the Parents'?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents of older children remain in the reception room when children are brought into the dental treatment area

Infants and some young children may benefit from having one of their parents in the operatory with them, but it's usually in a child's best interest to be treated without parental contributions. Studies have shown that children older than 3 years often respond better to dental treatment when their parents aren't in sight.
Every situation is different. Dr. Russell can usually ease a child’s fears that might arise. By allowing your child to enter the operatory alone, you're trusting Dr. R. and communicating your trust to your child.

.Dr. R's Pal

Parents can be concerned about leaving a child alone if there are special needs—or if a child has been reared to require total parental micromanagement.Mom and Boy

One good way to increase your trust level is to consider attending a specialty practice of a pediatric dentist, or pedodontist. Pediatric dentists have advanced training specific to meeting the unique dental needs of children, so you can feel more confident that you're affording the best care for your child.