April 7, 2010
Pediatric Dentists?
riteebee asked:
My daugher needs to see a specialist to get her teeth fixed. The dentist is telling me I'm not allowed to go in with my child. She is only 4 years old? Where are my rights here? Where do I stand? I don't want to leave her alone with strangers fixing her teeth. She would be too scared!
She has had to get this work done before, when she was not even three years old, they gave her some medicine orally and said it would sedate her, but when I went to pick her up she had kicked off her shoes, broke all the blood vessels in her face and was in a horrible state. Shes been terrified of the dentist ever since. She got thrush and terrible rash, bruising and just a horrible experience last time. She needs it done again and I vowed I would never leave her alone again, however having a very hard time finding a dentist that will allow me in with her. Any ideas? We are in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Pediatric Dentist in Atlanta
My daugher needs to see a specialist to get her teeth fixed. The dentist is telling me I'm not allowed to go in with my child. She is only 4 years old? Where are my rights here? Where do I stand? I don't want to leave her alone with strangers fixing her teeth. She would be too scared!
She has had to get this work done before, when she was not even three years old, they gave her some medicine orally and said it would sedate her, but when I went to pick her up she had kicked off her shoes, broke all the blood vessels in her face and was in a horrible state. Shes been terrified of the dentist ever since. She got thrush and terrible rash, bruising and just a horrible experience last time. She needs it done again and I vowed I would never leave her alone again, however having a very hard time finding a dentist that will allow me in with her. Any ideas? We are in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Pediatric Dentist in Atlanta
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Comments on Pediatric Dentists?
8:53 am
Pediatric Dentist in Atlanta
My children go to a pediatric dentist and they have never told me I can't go back with them. My son is almost 9 and he still wants me to go back with him. There is no way I would let them do dental work on a 4 year old without me present. I would talk to them first and let them know your concerns and if they still tell you "no", I would look for another dentist.
9:07 am
Pediatric Dentist in Atlanta
I felt the same way when I first took my kids to see the dentist. They really do this because going to the dentist can be a scary experience for the kids, and kids tend to act out more when they are afraid and their parents are there. It really is for their benefit and yours. However, if you feel strongly about going back, talk to the dentist about it. I know ours will allow parents to go back if they really insist on it. If your current dentist won't even after you voice your concerns, I would find a new one.
10:23 pm
Pediatric Dentist in Atlanta
I re-read your question. I am assuming that your child needs dental surgery? If so, then it's policy not to have parents in the room with them. If it was an exam or non-invasive procedure, that's different.
My daughter was born with a cleft lip/palate. She has had 7 surgeries so far, and isn't even 5 years old yet. Parents are not allowed to be in the OR for things like that, it would be too anxiety provoking, and the medical professionals cannot worry about the parents in addition to the child.
As for going to a dental appt with my kids, I have always been able to do so.
Good luck, your daughter will be FINE.
8:49 pm
Pediatric Dentist in Atlanta
As far as I know, and I am not a lawyer AND I don't know where you live BUT as far as I know ALL patients have the right to have someone with them at all times except where the risk is too high for the support person IE you will probably be asked to wait outside the room for an xray -but even then more often than not for kids you can put on an apron and wait with them in the room.
Get a second opinion from a second dentist. I wouldn't be outside the room for my child. And if I am going under anesthetic or laughing gas I want someone in their right mind there observing.
4:29 am
Pediatric Dentist in Atlanta
You should be allowed to go in when they do the consultation part of the exam. When they do the surgery part they ask that the parents stay out in the waiting room. Will she be sedated for this? If she is sedated she will be fine and will not remember anything that was going on in the room. You have nothing to worry about! My oldest has had 2 dental surgeries and she was sedated for both of them. They will keep you informed of what they are doing and how she is doing! Ask about the sedation and I am sure they will do this for you if they have not already suggested it to you!! Good Luck and relax she will be fine!!
10:54 am
Pediatric Dentist in Atlanta
I agree with the other parents, there is no way they should be able to tell you that you are not allowed to go back with your child. I had to take my daughter to a pediatric dentist because of her lack of teeth, and they invited me back with her.
3:01 pm
Pediatric Dentist in Atlanta
If it's a surgical procedure they are not going to let you stay for sanitary reasons.
You could ask the dentist if they will allow you to go back with her until they sedate her and bring you back in before she wakes. That way you are there for her, as far as she knows, when she is taken back and are still there when she wakes and she will be less scared.
10:17 pm
Pediatric Dentist in Atlanta
I'm in the US, if that makes a difference. I pay extra for my kid to see a pediatric dentist all. He's awesome, though. I'm always very included in what's going on with her visits – I sit right by her feet the whole time.
I'm surprised to hear about your experience – I agree with you, you should continue to look for a more accomodating dentist. Good luck with your search.