Can a dentist prevent a parent from going in with their child?

Question

My son is 3, and I took him to a dentist and they would not let me go back with him. Needless to say, I left and found a different dentist. Is this legal? It was just for a cleaning and checkup, and it was his first time. But they don't allow parents out of the waiting area for any reason.

They don't even allow parent to go in with infants. It is an office for children only, 1rst tooth to 21.

Answer 1

It is completely legal, because you do not have to agree to this policy. If the dentist grabbed your child and took him back against your will, THAT would be illegal.

This is a management style used by some dentists who feel they become the authority figure without the parent present. I always permit the parent into the room, but I might threaten to make the parent leave if the child is not behaving or reaching out inappropriately. Most parents are very cooperative in this tactic and I find that most parents are very helpful in helping me accomplish my treatment goals by being present. It's just a different style.

I think it stems from my own experiences with my children and doctors. I would not in a million years allow a doctor to take my three year old into an exam room without either my wife or me being present. I figured nobody would like it either.

Answer 2

I certainly would hope not! I think if for some reason he is trying to keep you out of the room, I would wonder why!! I use to be a dental assistant, and some parents, just feel better, and so does the child, if the parent is in the room as well. If the dentist has nothing to hide, he should agree to it. Also the parent might like to ask questions, or can answer some questions, that the dentist might ask about the child's dental health. I'm not saying that the parent should stay in the room, but I just would not like the dentist to suggest that the parent has to leave the room for no specific reason.

Answer 3

Hi, I was in dentistry for 11 years. If you take your child to a pediatric dentist or a general dentist they most likely will ask you to leave while they do any type of work. Kids seem to have better behavior if the parent is not with them. However, You have the right to go back with your child during any type of medical and/or dental visits. Do what is best for you and your child. Best regards, Jo

Answer 4

Three is a little young to not be allowed to accompany the child, and I would have reacted the same way. Hospitals in the past had similar policies, but found that the children did better with a parent at their side. But remember, try and not convey this upset to your child. I find that when my eight year old was little and even now, I will try and explain what I expect to happen to her on doctor/dentist visits, and it seems to help her cope with such events in her life. Some children benefit from lots of preparatory explanation, and other children have the opposite reaction, get more nervous. Only you know your child.

Any good dentist should be willing to examine children, and don't cost as much as those that advertise as specializing in children's dentistry. My husband is suspicious of them also, has commented that they should just have a sign that says dentistry for the young and nubile.

It may be legal, but in my opinion is unethical and not good business practice. If they can put up with bratty and occasionally annoying kids, they can put up with hovering, occasionally annoying parents. Trust your instincts and when making the next appointment, inquire about their policies beforehand.

You might also want to phone the state Board of Dental Examiners and just casually chat with someone on the phone about their opinion on this policy. I would be curious to know also what their reaction is to this.

Answer 5

My daughters' dentist lets parents go in the treating room. The hygenist explained that while they allow that, it's with a condition. The kids look to the parents as an "out" to rescue them. It ends up making treatment even more difficult. If the child won't cooperate, the parent has to leave.

Most pediatric dentists have this or a similar rule.

Answer 6

When I was younger the dentist did allow my parent to come in with me. Then I just didn't want my parent to come in with me. I think it is the dentists' choice; but if I WERE a dentist I'd allow a three year-old to be accompanied by a parent. Most likely the child would be too afraid to open their mouth, or would be terrified of being taken away by a stranger, in a different room, and having the stranger open his mouth and clean it. (Which no one likes to have done.) I would have gone to a different dentist as well.

Answer 7

A parent has the right to go unless the child is 18 or requests that the parent not be there. That doesn't even make sense though for a 3 year old, they should've asked you what you wanted to do....smart move finding a new dentist

Answer 8

I would find that very suspect, I doubt it is legal, and you were absolutely right to trust your judgement and find a different dentist. (In my doctors office there is a sign posted advising me of my RIGHTS to have a nurse in the room during an exam. I would assume it would be the same for the dentist.) Why would they assume that a 3 year old would not be frightened without his Mom there??????

Answer 9

Yep, very legal and in my opinion, the only way dental offices should be. Most parents make too big of a deal about the dentist office, causing more trouble, rather then helping.

Answer 10

Hello they tried the same with my kids .( went to a new dentist)i though my older kids would be fine since they had been to the dentist before. but my daughter this was her first time. it is legal.they told me o could not go back with any of them. i told them i was going with my youngest daughter cause this was her first time.. that should be my choice not theres. and i went back there with her.. my other
3 said they were mean telling them too be quiet stop acting like a baby ect.. i marched back in there and cursed them all out. never been back. use a different dentist and i make seprate appointments so i can go back with all my children even the older ones. i would not suggest using a dentist that does not allow you to go back with your child.