How Do I Find a Dentist Who Is Good With Nervous Kids?

If your child is nervous about going to the dentist, you are probably asking a question that matters more than credentials alone: Will this dentist be patient with my child?

For parents in Beaverton, Cedar Hills and the surrounding Portland area, finding the right dentist may mean looking for an office that combines experience with patience, communication and an understanding that some children simply need more time to feel comfortable.

What Does “Good With Nervous Kids” Really Mean?

A child-friendly waiting room can be nice, but being good with nervous children is really about how the dental team treats your child once the visit begins.

Look for a dentist and team who:

Modern behavior guidance in children’s dentistry is not one-size-fits-all. A child’s age, temperament, previous dental experiences, treatment needs and level of anxiety can all affect the best approach.

Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Dentist

You do not have to wait until your child is sitting in the dental chair to learn how an office approaches nervous children. Ask when you call.

Good questions include:

• Do you regularly see children who are nervous about dental visits?
• What should I tell you ahead of time about my child’s fears?
• How do you introduce an anxious child to a dental exam?
• How do you handle a child who becomes overwhelmed during the visit?
• What happens if my child cannot comfortably complete everything planned that day?

Pay attention to how your questions are handled. A patient, specific conversation can tell you a great deal about how an office approaches both children and worried parents.

What Should a Comfortable First Visit Feel Like?

For a nervous child, success is not simply getting through an appointment. A good visit should also help build confidence for the next visit.

Depending on the child’s age and needs, a dental team may explain or demonstrate unfamiliar parts of the visit before proceeding. Dentists may use approaches such as simple explanations, positive reinforcement, distraction or gradual familiarization to help children become more comfortable.

Parents should also understand what the dentist found, whether treatment is needed and what happens next. If your child is especially nervous, tell the office before the appointment rather than waiting until you arrive.

If this will be your child’s first dental experience, you may also want to read When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?

Should a Parent Stay With a Nervous Child?

There is not one answer that is right for every child or every appointment. A parent’s presence may be reassuring for some children, while the dentist may recommend a different approach in other situations.

The important part is communication. Parents should feel comfortable asking about the office’s approach and discussing what may work best for their child and the dental care being planned.

When Might a Pediatric Dentist or Additional Support Be Appropriate?

Cedar Hills Dental Care is a family dental practice, not a pediatric specialty practice. Many children can receive routine preventive and restorative dental care from an experienced family dentist, while some children may benefit from pediatric specialty care.

A pediatric dentist has additional specialty training focused on infants, children, adolescents and patients with special healthcare needs. A referral or different treatment setting may sometimes be appropriate when a child has complex dental or medical needs, significant difficulty tolerating treatment, or requires behavior-management or sedation options beyond what a family practice provides.

If you are deciding between the two, read Should My Child See a Family Dentist or a Pediatric Dentist?

Choosing a Dentist Your Child Can Learn to Trust

Children remember how they are treated. A patient dental experience can help make future visits easier, while a frightening experience can make an already nervous child even more hesitant about returning.

That is why choosing a dentist for your child is about more than finding the closest office. Look for experience, communication, patience and a team that takes your concerns seriously.

Cedar Hills Dental Care has served the community since 1986 and has cared for more than 10,000 smiles. Christine Chin, DMD brings more than 35 years of dental experience and is an Oregon Health & Science University-educated dentist. Our practice provides family dentistry for children and adults with an emphasis on comfortable, compassionate and non-judgmental care.

You may also find these helpful:
How Do I Find a Dentist I Can Trust With My Child?
and our
Children’s Dentistry
page.