Dentaltown December 2020 - 66

It's important to
recognize that you won't
be everybody's dentist.
The trade-off is having a
dental clinic that produces
consistent quality
results with recognizable
systems in a methodical
environment. "

has permanently changed how she relates to
her daughter. She can't leave her unattended
and can't bear to hear her cry.
Understanding this dynamic helped me
approach behavioral management in a way
that is distinct to Samantha and Jessica's
relationship. Some of these behavioral
challenges were not just Jessica's actions but
also a reaction to her mother's experience.
My interaction with Samantha was received
better when I showed empathy for her journey
and genuine concern for her daughter's
dental experience. A unique approach to
treatment evolved and as the trust was built,
Samantha became my ally in her daughter's
dental care.
I'm not suggesting that I-or you-take
this particular approach to treatment for
all children who are uncooperative. I'm
suggesting that taking the time to get
to know the parents will allow for more
open and honest communication. As time
continues and trust develops, you can
create a unique approach to treatment for
each child, considering their individual
parental dynamic.

Parental guidance suggested:
Who's allowed in the operatory?
Get to know them
Picture this: 6-year-old Jessica, in tears
and crying loudly as she clings to her mother,
Samantha. Samantha doesn't look too good,
either; her face is flushed and she's saying
everything you dread hearing in a pediatric
dental office. " I told you it won't hurt,
sweetheart. They don't have any needles
here! You know what, we'll get ice cream
after this. "
At first glance, this situation might lead
you to make quick assumptions and unfair
judgments about Samantha and Jessica. And
that reaction may lead to an unproductive
appointment filled with frustration for you
and your dental team.
I've seen this situation in my practice, and
when I could have fallen for that distorted
sequence of events, I decided to take a step
back instead and do something different.

66

I took extra time to introduce myself and
my practice philosophy.
I then set a goal for today's visit-something simple and achievable: an exam. From
there, we would have other goals to reach,
whether it was today or another appointment:
dental radiographs and a dental prophylaxis.
During the exam, I engaged in dialogue and
shared experiences: a favorite toothpaste
flavor, a popular movie, or that my children
are similar in age.
Over time, and several future visits,
Samantha began to trust me and she shared
her personal journey with me. Jessica was
born prematurely and spent several weeks
in the neonatal intensive care unit. Her first
year was filled with frequent pediatrician
appointments and evaluations by pediatric
specialists. Although Jessica is a completely
healthy child now, Samantha's experience

One concrete method of managing
the parental dynamic in a dental setting is
to decide when or whether you will allow
parents to be present in the clinical space.
Among pediatric dentists, there are varying
opinions on this topic; ultimately, the key is
to know your preferences in your particular
clinic, under your specific circumstances.
Understanding your practice style and
communicating it effectively to your dental
team and patients is the key to a successful
dentist/parent/child relationship.
The parental presence in the clinical
space can be a wonderful way to introduce
yourself and to get to know the parents
and children on a more personal level.
This is also a great opportunity for you to
ask questions, do some teaching and show
your skills. You can gain parents' trust and
confidence simply by having them see you
perform your magic.

DECEMBER 2020 // dentaltown.com

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Dentaltown December 2020

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