Kids' Anxiety about the Dentist
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Kids' Anxiety about the Dentist
Nov 2010
Our 3yo son had his 3rd visit to the (same) pediatric
dentist today. Though it was better than his prior visits
(no screaming or crying, for example), it was still
stressful for us both. He refused to get in the dental exam
chair, so despite being shown and told about all the tools
(for the 3rd time), the hygenist and dentist were only able
to stain & brush his teeth and take a visual inspection (no
tooth polishing).
In addition to being emotionally sensitive (and often
sensitive to noise), our son is highly verbal and *very*
strong willed. So aside from using brute force (which I'm
not willing to do in a dental office for fear of creating
further negative associations about the dentist), there was
no way he was going to allow a full exam to happen, despite
our best distraction techniques.
Each time we've been at this dentist, I've seen other kids
calmly sit in the chair and go through the cleaning like
it's no big deal. Not so for our son, unfortunately. Though
he did spontaneously hug the dentist on his way out, this
time, which I took as a good sign.
I've searched the archives, but find no referrals for
dentists who work with kids who are sensitive, anxious and
scared.
If your child(ren) sounds like mine, and you have a calm,
careful, kind, patient dentist you love, I'd be very
interested to hear about them. My son and I need a better
dental experience in 6 mos time.
Many thanks.
If there isn't an immediate need for dental treatment, I'd
stop taking him to the dentist for awhile. He's only 3, if
there aren't any dental issues now then I'd give him some
time to mature and start over with a new dentist. Maybe
even a regular dentist. My older child always saw my
dentist, younger one needed a ped dentist. Every kid is
different. Skip the 6 month appointment and practice good
dental hygiene but don't obsess. And don't even mention
the dentist for a year. Just because other kids can sit
quietly in the chair doesn't mean your son is ready. He
just needs time, nothing wrong with that.
April 2009
Could anyone recommend a dentist for my fearful 11 yr. old daughter?
She hasn't been for a few yrs. due to us not being insured. Now we
have Delta Dental and I need to find one in the
Alameda/Oakland/Berkeley area. She needs someone good with fearful
patients(children), gentle, and preferably female. Any ideas would be
greatly appreciated.
S.C.
The Ca. Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped can help you! They will refer
you to a dds who is aware of special needs kids (and elders)near your home. They
are located in Sacto. I have used them before: 800-872-6176. Also,
Betty Vodzak in
Lafayette has a very sympathetic office and is very warm, competent herself (takes
Delta). I am a dental phobic and have felt as much at ease in her chairs as I will
ever be. Best of luck to all.
Anon
I would like to highly recommend
Ameneh Khosrovani. She was incredible with our
son who had to have a filling at the age of 3, and she was really great with us
too. I have heard wonderful things about everyone in the practice she is at.
Their website is:
http://www.alohakidsdds.com
They have offices in Berkeley and Orinda. One of their Berkeley phone numbers is:
(510) 528-1546
and they accept Delta Dental.
Very Happy With our Pediatric Dentist
I am not sure where you are located, however I have heard excellent things about a
psychologist in Walnut Creek, Dr Barton Lynch. He works with both children and
teens and has been able to help a number of friends whose teens are having
difficulties coping with a variety of issues. His number is 925 947-2922
JB
Your daughter might really like Carole Miyahara, who works at the big pediatric
dental group with Drs. Wampler and Katsura. They have offices in S. Berkeley, N.
Berkeley, and Orinda. Dr. Miyahara is extremely gentle and soft spoken, easy to
communicate with, and listens really well to the children. She is not aggressive
in either her style or her treatment recommendations, which has been a good match
for our family. Good luck!
Tara
our children aren't fearful of the dentist, but we've found their dentist to be
wonderful. they see Ameneh (Ah-mey-nay) Khosrovani
, at the office of Katsura,
Wampler, at al. (many reviews in the archives.) it's a very kid friendly office,
and dr khosrovani is sweet, gentle and warm (and good!) they have two offices in
berkeley and i think they take delta dental.
this page was last updated: Nov 29, 2010
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