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.
2006-08-18 15:17:48 · 11 answers · asked by DeAnna 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
My new dentist was surprised by it, they want the parent with the children.
2006-08-18 15:27:05 · update #1
The office is Small Smiles Dental Clinic in Columbus, OH.
2006-08-18 15:27:59 · update #2
It is unethical and illegal for a parent or guardian not to be present during any examination by any medical professional. If a person is not old enough or doesn't have the cognitive ability to consent for their own care, then a person that has guardianship or medical power of attorney must be present.
I would write a letter to the ADA (American Dental Association). I'm sure they would be very interested in that.
2006-08-18 15:30:35 · answer #1 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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
2006-08-18 15:29:39 · answer #2 · answered by Jo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I worked for a dental office also and we didn't allow the parent in after the initial visit because the child does act worse when the parent is there but as a parent I don't like it either. We were turned in to the ADA for that same thing and they say it is each dental office rules as to what they want to do.
2006-08-18 15:49:21 · answer #3 · answered by 51ain'tbad 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with "oohbother" and "JO". I think "volleyballchick" is wrong. The Parent or guardian must be present or give permission regarding treatment plans and decisions. But I could be wrong. I was once, back in 1971.
But I would be weary of a doctor or dentist that REFUSED to allow a parent access. You did the right thing to find someone else.
2006-08-18 15:49:05 · answer #4 · answered by culpstir 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most dentists allow parents in the room and with the case of
your son all of them expect it. Hopefully your new dentist won't
kick you out.
2006-08-18 15:24:19 · answer #5 · answered by retrodragonfly 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I work at a doctors office, yes you are allow to go in with your child up to the age of 18. that is your legal right. after 18 they are consider as a adult.
they shouldn't treat a child without their legal guardian.present.
2006-08-18 15:26:48 · answer #6 · answered by work at doctor office 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A dentist can set any conditions he wants because you don't have to go to him. My dentist also doesn't allow parents.
2006-08-18 15:24:01 · answer #7 · answered by oohhbother 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they sometimes suggest that the parents stay in the waiting room but you always have a right to go back with your son if you want too.
2006-08-18 15:23:15 · answer #8 · answered by ~Perfectly Flawed~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you should of insisted that you go back with your child, he is too little to go back without his mom, i would have called his supervisor and made a complaint! where is this dentist, so i won;t take my baby there!
2006-08-18 15:25:50 · answer #9 · answered by cwilliams6694 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can have that rule if they want, it is thier business, and they can have any stupid rule, They did nto force him to go, you said no and did not use him, that was your right.
The dentist can refuse to treat your child if you do not wish to follow thier rules.
2006-08-18 15:38:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋