<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can You Give a Parent a Hand?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nParents feel a heavy burden to look after their kid\u2019s health – dentistry included. They\u2019re looking for understanding and an advocate to help them with their child\u2019s attitude about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can share the load by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Giving them advance \u201ctalking points.\u201d Kids appreciate predictability so encourage parents to not drop a dental appointment on them at the last minute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Establishing a communication thread. A first dental appointment prompts a lot of questions – be ready and be available via phone, text, email, and virtually.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gathering as much info as possible about their child. Their fears, oral health habits, lifestyle\/diet, school and personal interests, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Supply parents with resources that will help prepare their kids for what to expect on their first visit.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idskids.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dentist-on-the-phone-with-parent-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nDo everything within reason to support a parent\u2019s desire to improve their child\u2019s oral health.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HOW TO HELP KIDS ACTUALLY \u201cLOVE\u201d THEIR FIRST APPOINTMENT (AND EACH ONE AFTER THAT)
<\/h2>\n\n\n\nUse Your Kind Voice and Simple Words<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn essence, ditch the dental speak. You\u2019ll be amazed how simplifying your words can also impact your tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kids feel at ease<\/a> when you use a friendly, familiar voice. Use simple descriptions when talking about procedures.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHave a Conversation with the Child Too<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s natural to default to the adult-in-the-room (aka, the parent or guardian). But keep in mind that the child is the one you\u2019ll be treating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kids are part of the patient experience too. Showing an interest in their life, their interests, and their fears will create trust and increase their comfort.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High-Five the Good Behavior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGive every kid \u201cpraise\u201d when they show bravery during their dental appointment. It could be nothing short of heroic for some kids to hang-in for the duration of a check-up or treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idskids.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/good-job-kid-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nApplause reinforces behavior. Even a small amount of way-to-go\u2019s can lead to a trusting, long-term relationship with you as their dentist.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SOMETIMES YOU NEED SOME ADDITIONAL SUPPORT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There will be those kids that regardless of how you speak to them, speak with them, or reward their good efforts – they need a little more assistance with a first or future dental appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can apply in a themed, calm, kid-centric environment<\/a> too.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nPromote Sedation Solutions Where Necessary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s called \u201chappy gas\u201d for a reason. And it\u2019s better for your young patients that you refer to it as such.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idskids.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/sedation-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe anxiety reducing effects of sedation dentistry deserve attention – especially for those kids that require a bit more coaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Explain how it works and what to expect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Confirm with their parent any additional sedation methods (e.g. oral sedation, etc) if there\u2019s a reason they prefer not to use \u201chappy gas.\u201d
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nEncourage Behavioral Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are times when you wear a \u201ctherapist\u2019s\u201d hat during a first dental visit. Of course, you\u2019re aware of your boundaries and skill set. But a listening, compassionate ear can be the beginning of helping a child and parent unpack some potential rooted fears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Have some behavioral therapy resources in-your-hip-pocket. A counseling or therapeutic referral could be just what a child needs if their anxiety is more ingrained.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Watch your \u201clanguage\u201d and encourage parents to do the same. We\u2019re not talking the \u201cfoul\u201d type but rather words like \u201churt,\u201d \u201cshots,\u201d \u201conly a little\u2026,\u201d etc. These send up red-flags.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be patient and supportive. Anxiety in kids about a dental visit can be overcome but it takes time and consistency. Cool heads will prevail – yours not theirs.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nCreate an environment that reduces (or eliminates) anxiety in kids beginning with their first appointment.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAn outstanding patient experience for kids and families begins with a kid-centric mindset and the environment that supports it.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out these related resources for upgrading, renewing, and providing anxiety-free dental visits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n6 Calming Strategies for Kids Nervous About Healthcare Appointments<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDownload Our White Paper: Alleviating Patient Anxiety Through Office Theming<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nDo everything within reason to support a parent\u2019s desire to improve their child\u2019s oral health.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HOW TO HELP KIDS ACTUALLY \u201cLOVE\u201d THEIR FIRST APPOINTMENT (AND EACH ONE AFTER THAT)
<\/h2>\n\n\n\nUse Your Kind Voice and Simple Words<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn essence, ditch the dental speak. You\u2019ll be amazed how simplifying your words can also impact your tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kids feel at ease<\/a> when you use a friendly, familiar voice. Use simple descriptions when talking about procedures.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHave a Conversation with the Child Too<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s natural to default to the adult-in-the-room (aka, the parent or guardian). But keep in mind that the child is the one you\u2019ll be treating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kids are part of the patient experience too. Showing an interest in their life, their interests, and their fears will create trust and increase their comfort.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High-Five the Good Behavior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGive every kid \u201cpraise\u201d when they show bravery during their dental appointment. It could be nothing short of heroic for some kids to hang-in for the duration of a check-up or treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nApplause reinforces behavior. Even a small amount of way-to-go\u2019s can lead to a trusting, long-term relationship with you as their dentist.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SOMETIMES YOU NEED SOME ADDITIONAL SUPPORT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There will be those kids that regardless of how you speak to them, speak with them, or reward their good efforts – they need a little more assistance with a first or future dental appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can apply in a themed, calm, kid-centric environment<\/a> too.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nPromote Sedation Solutions Where Necessary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s called \u201chappy gas\u201d for a reason. And it\u2019s better for your young patients that you refer to it as such.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe anxiety reducing effects of sedation dentistry deserve attention – especially for those kids that require a bit more coaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Explain how it works and what to expect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Confirm with their parent any additional sedation methods (e.g. oral sedation, etc) if there\u2019s a reason they prefer not to use \u201chappy gas.\u201d
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nEncourage Behavioral Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are times when you wear a \u201ctherapist\u2019s\u201d hat during a first dental visit. Of course, you\u2019re aware of your boundaries and skill set. But a listening, compassionate ear can be the beginning of helping a child and parent unpack some potential rooted fears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Have some behavioral therapy resources in-your-hip-pocket. A counseling or therapeutic referral could be just what a child needs if their anxiety is more ingrained.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Watch your \u201clanguage\u201d and encourage parents to do the same. We\u2019re not talking the \u201cfoul\u201d type but rather words like \u201churt,\u201d \u201cshots,\u201d \u201conly a little\u2026,\u201d etc. These send up red-flags.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be patient and supportive. Anxiety in kids about a dental visit can be overcome but it takes time and consistency. Cool heads will prevail – yours not theirs.
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nCreate an environment that reduces (or eliminates) anxiety in kids beginning with their first appointment.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAn outstanding patient experience for kids and families begins with a kid-centric mindset and the environment that supports it.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check out these related resources for upgrading, renewing, and providing anxiety-free dental visits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n6 Calming Strategies for Kids Nervous About Healthcare Appointments<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDownload Our White Paper: Alleviating Patient Anxiety Through Office Theming<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In essence, ditch the dental speak. You\u2019ll be amazed how simplifying your words can also impact your tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kids feel at ease<\/a> when you use a friendly, familiar voice. Use simple descriptions when talking about procedures. It\u2019s natural to default to the adult-in-the-room (aka, the parent or guardian). But keep in mind that the child is the one you\u2019ll be treating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kids are part of the patient experience too. Showing an interest in their life, their interests, and their fears will create trust and increase their comfort. Give every kid \u201cpraise\u201d when they show bravery during their dental appointment. It could be nothing short of heroic for some kids to hang-in for the duration of a check-up or treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n Applause reinforces behavior. Even a small amount of way-to-go\u2019s can lead to a trusting, long-term relationship with you as their dentist. There will be those kids that regardless of how you speak to them, speak with them, or reward their good efforts – they need a little more assistance with a first or future dental appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can apply in a themed, calm, kid-centric environment<\/a> too. It\u2019s called \u201chappy gas\u201d for a reason. And it\u2019s better for your young patients that you refer to it as such.<\/p>\n\n\n The anxiety reducing effects of sedation dentistry deserve attention – especially for those kids that require a bit more coaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are times when you wear a \u201ctherapist\u2019s\u201d hat during a first dental visit. Of course, you\u2019re aware of your boundaries and skill set. But a listening, compassionate ear can be the beginning of helping a child and parent unpack some potential rooted fears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An outstanding patient experience for kids and families begins with a kid-centric mindset and the environment that supports it. Check out these related resources for upgrading, renewing, and providing anxiety-free dental visits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Calming Strategies for Kids Nervous About Healthcare Appointments<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Download Our White Paper: Alleviating Patient Anxiety Through Office Theming<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHave a Conversation with the Child Too<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHigh-Five the Good Behavior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nSOMETIMES YOU NEED SOME ADDITIONAL SUPPORT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nPromote Sedation Solutions Where Necessary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nEncourage Behavioral Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nCreate an environment that reduces (or eliminates) anxiety in kids beginning with their first appointment.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"CTA-blog-kids-activities\"](\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/7692378\/interactive-155256269350.png\")
\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"