Can I insist I stay with my baby during dental examination?

Question

My children are 10 years apart in age. When my daughter was 6 years old the dentist's staff would not allow me in with her when she was having fillings put in and for what seemed like an eternity I sat in the waiting room listening to her scream.
My 13 month old has a dental check-up this month and I'm really worried about putting him through this.
A friend said that she has gone through the same thing with her children and that that's just how dentists do things now and parents don't have a choice, but recently one of my husband's co-workers told him that he had to search and search for a dentist who actually permitted him to be with his toddler during her dental exam --unfortunately this dentist has since retired.
I know that it's hard enough examining a child's teeth and that kids often act up when their parents are around, but a visit to the dentist can be scary for an adult, why insist a child endure a painful situation alone?

I need some helpful advice, please.

Answer 1

Depending on how your big your area is there may be several pediatric dentists. Start calling them and ask if you can stay in the room with your child. If one says no keep calling dentists until you get a yes. I agree with you and there is no point making anything more difficult for you or your child, you should be in there.

Answer 2

I have experienced this with a couple of dentist offices that don't want the parents in the room. A 13 month old should for sure not go in alone! Insist that you go with him this is way too young to be on his own and you want him to have a good experience. When my 10 year olds had to get teeth pulled the dentist was great and let me sit there with them and hold their hands. You are the parent and have the right to insist on going in there with them if you want to. I can understand why they may not want you in there because some children are worse when the parents are around but it is still up to you when it is your child, stand up for your rights. If they don't let you in, find another dentist.

Answer 3

I would insist on it and if they say no find another dentist! I can still remember my first dental visit (I think I was close to 4 years old) and it was traumatic . My mother wasn't allowed in the room either, and I honestly think it would have been alot better if she was there. My dentist actually strapped my arms and head down, which is something my mom would never had allowed. I think that's why a lot of dentist don't allow parents in the room. Do what you think is best for your child not the dentist.

Answer 4

You need to get a new dentist, look in the phone book in your area for a childrens dentist. My 5 year old was scared to death of dentists. I had taken him to a normal one and they wouldn't let me back there, and I was too scared to say anything. They really hurt him. A friend told me to go to her dentist. They have TV's above all the chairs, they have video games and the staff is wonderful. They want you to come back unless the child doesn't want you to. My 6 year old had me come back the first time, and now, he hops right up and goes back with a big smile and tells me just to stay in the waiting room. Don't accept this behavior from your dentist. I did and my 5 year old suffered. He is now happy as a clam as well, but he still likes me to come back with him. Even if you have to drive to a bigger area to find a dentist like this, it is worth it. Good luck

Answer 5

At that young of an age a parent should be back there with their child. I have never been denied being back with my children during an exam. My two oldest LOVE going to the dentist and are ok without me being back there(they are 6 1/2 and 4 1/2) My youngest who is 2 1/2 still has quite a bit of stranger anxiety so she requires me back there to keep her still and quiet and she has been seeing a dentist since she was 4 weeks old!(she was born with her two bottom teeth)

If they won't let you back there speak up....cause 13 months is way to young to be expected to do it without mommy or daddy or at least someone they know.

Answer 6

I would be worried about any health care professional that kicked me out of an exam for my child. Check your phone book for a ped's dentist. They are usually very experienced in handling kids (and parents). The one I use has televisions over the exam chairs so the kids can watch cartoons and if a filling or something else "scary" has to be done, they use nitrous to take the edge off. Both of my boys actually enjoy the dentist (although neight like the nitrous) :)

Answer 7

My dentist allows you back with your kids, but he also doesn't see a child before the age of 4 unless there's a problem. Most dentists won't see a child before age 2. Isn't your little one a little young for a dental check up?

Answer 8

I would call the dentist now.. let them know that you would like to to be present for your child while the checkup is being performed, and ask them if that would be okay. Usually, I would guess that they would be understanding, especially if it really is bothering you. If they are rude or simply say no, I would call around to other dentists, and ask before you make another appointment. Just explain your situation and your worries. Just remember, YOU are the paying customer.. they are working for you.. I think it is a completely acceptable thing to request. Good luck!

Answer 9

There are childrens dentists with tv's in the ceilings and everything else and they will also let you stay in the room. I know people that drive over an hour to get to one of these dentists. It is worth checking out....ask around I am sure someone in your area knows of one if there is one nearby!

Answer 10

Why are you bringing a 13 month old to the dentist?