How can I make dental visits less scary for pediatric patients?
Many children dislike going to see the dentist, and some are absolutely terrified. That’s not surprising as most children do not like being handled by people they don’t know well. As a dental assistant, you can do a lot to make dental visits less scary for pediatric patients. Here are some tips:
Be positive and upbeat: Creating a warm, welcoming, and friendly atmosphere in the dental office will help the child feel more comfortable. When you greet the patient, keep your voice happy and your words reassuring. Say things like: “I’m excited for you to see our dentist. She takes care of you and helps your teeth stay healthy and strong.”
Explain the procedure: Use simple and age-appropriate language to describe what will happen during the visit. Models, pictures, and other visual aids can be used to illustrate the procedure to the child. You might even demonstrate a procedure on a stuffed animal first so that they can see exactly what will happen.
Show them the tools: Showing them the dental equipment and explaining how it works can be helpful in reducing their anxiety and helping them feel more in control of the situation. If a child is curious about the equipment and asks questions explain what each piece of equipment does and how it will be used during the appointment. If possible, let the child touch and hold the dental tools to become familiar with them before the visit. Talk about how the tools will “tickle” teeth and make “whirling” sounds.
Accommodate their fears: Distractions can be a great way to help children relax and feel more comfortable during dental visits. Having books in the waiting room or operatory can ease nerves while they wait. Other distractions such as music, movies, or toys can help a child feel more relaxed during the procedure.
Offer rewards: Consider offering small, age-appropriate rewards for positive behavior during the visit. The reward should be something that the child values and finds motivating, such as a small toy, sticker, or a special toothbrush. The child should also understand that the reward is for good behavior during the appointment, not for tolerating pain or discomfort.
Dental anxiety is a common issue among children, and it can make dental visits difficult for both the child and the dentist. Praising and encouraging the child during the visit and giving positive feedback after the visit can reinforce that it was a good experience. Taking the time to build a relationship with the child and their family will help the child feel more comfortable and confident during return visits.