my daughters dentist wont allow parents in the room is this legal? she is only 7
2007-01-23 18:38:56 · 13 answers · asked by littlecutie232003 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I don't know about the legal question, but I'd get a new dentist. My dentist totally allows a parent in the room if the child wants it. Otherwise, the parent can wait just outside the room or in the waiting room. I wouldn't see someone who flat-out won't allow parents in the room.
2007-01-24 03:42:42 · answer #1 · answered by Barbara B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. An anxious parent can be a big distraction to an upset child. Sometimes, it's just a space issue. You daughter's dentist can block parents from the room as long as there's a dental assistant in the room with him - it can't be just him and your child.
Doctors' offices have the same kind of thing, but it's usually around 9 years old or so they ask the parent to step outside for a few minutes so they can have a frank discussion with your child. (It's been found that kids who have questions about sex or drug use or anything like that are more open to talking honestly if the parents aren't present for the conversation.)
For the child to walk into the office alone, they have to be 18, unless they have a signed permission letter from their parents listing a contact phone number.
2007-01-24 11:02:39 · answer #2 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would raise a red flag to me. I don't know about the legality of it though.
How about if you ask him WHY? You deserve an explanation, and a good one at that. You could also request that a female nurse be present in the room with your daughter at all times also, then. But in my honest opinion? If you aren't 100% comfortable with this, then insist that you be in the room or find another dentist.
My parents were never present during my dentist visits I had as a child...but my mom was ALWAYS present at any other doctor visits I had as a child until I finally got old enough to tell her it was ok that I see the doctor myself (I think I was around 12).
2007-01-24 03:18:46 · answer #3 · answered by Megan V 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't leave my kids (boy or girl) unaccompanied in the doctor's office at such a young age. I would be extremely concerned if my doctor/dentist had this 'rule' and would question why that is? At 7 years old, they're still a child - why does he need to see her without her mother in the room. Something's not right. If my dentist told me to leave the room then I would take my child with me. You can't be too careful and this sounds very suspect. Do a background check on him and ask the local community groups and parents for feedback. Good Luck.
2007-01-24 06:14:40 · answer #4 · answered by cupcake 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no...I would find another dentist. A child should not be seen without the parent being present unless the child is at least 12 and prefers to go alone with the understanding a nurse or dental tech will be there
2007-01-24 02:58:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was going to say 15 or 16, but then I saw you're talking about a dentist.
I think this is normal. Parents get nervous and make the children more nervous. They also ask lots of annoying questions and second-guess and distract the dentist while he's working.
2007-01-24 02:44:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can be seen from birth and on...technically. Pediatricians usually allow parents to visit with their children to reduce their fear and anxiety of a strange place. Some dentists prefer to have the children alone because it reduces their tendency to jump out of the chair as soon as they feel 'pain'. If you are uncomfortable with the dentist's technique, speak with him or her about it or find someone whose policies are different.
2007-01-24 02:54:16 · answer #7 · answered by sheila_0123 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My mom came into the dentist with me until I was like 11..and then she was still allowed to, but I didn't want her to anymore...ask the dentist about the reasoning behind his rule...
2007-01-24 16:56:07 · answer #8 · answered by balerinagurl714 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I will go to another dentist. My son is 9 and I still go in with him..Go to Oceanview dental well I don't know where you are located just check into another dentist don't be scared to seek out others and look them up to check thier credintals also ask questions
2007-01-25 15:01:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can tell him that you are uncomfortable with that practice and that you will be present during the exam and cleaning. It isn't illegal for that to be his policy, but you don't have to take her there if you are uncomfortable with it. I remember going back by myself at the dentists at this age so it is normal. Never feel bad about exerting your right as a parent to be there though.
2007-01-24 03:00:51 · answer #10 · answered by A W 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋