I think I need to find a different dentist for my son. My personal dentist said he’d be happy to treat him. He likes for children to come in around 8 or 9 years old. I brought him in at 8, thinking the sooner the better. However, the appointment was a disaster. My dentist seemed impatient. Then it turned out he has a cavity and wanted to work on it right away, which caused my son to melt down. Then, he slid out of the chair and ran away. I was so embarrassed. Would it be better if I found a different dentist for my son?
Harriet L. – Oregon
Harriet,
Yes, I think a different dentist would be a good idea. It’s not that general dentists can’t treat children, but it doesn’t sound like your dentist actually likes children despite what he told you.
Also, it’s much better for your child if they have their first appointment much younger before there is an actual problem. You want their first few turns with a dentist to be fun and positive.
I’d go to a pediatric dentist or a general dentist who actually like treating children. One way to really tell if a dentist likes treating children is the age they want their first appointment. If they say 2 or 3 years old, you can know they like children. Saying 8 or 9 means they’re not quite as comfortable with younger patients as they say.
They’re better at putting children at ease. They know how to talk to them and distract them and usually have fun things for them to do in the office.
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