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2.2 Parental Involvement Pediatric dentistry is often described as a triad of oral health professional,
parent, and child. For young children, parents are indispensable participants.
Think of parents as recipients of preventive information and, if treatment
is needed, as co-therapists. Parents are also a surrogate measure of the
child's emotional state during treatment. If treatment is needed, ask
parents how they think the child may react, and consider the answer a good
gauge of how the child is likely to behave.
Tip
The three “Is” of interaction should take place during
the child's first dental visit or as soon as possible thereafter:
(1) inform parents of findings, (2) instruct parents about preventive
techniques, and (3) involve parents to the extent possible.
If parents are relaxed, the child is more likely to be relaxed than
if parents are nervous. Therefore, preparing parents for the child's
dental visit can make providing care to the child easier and more
productive. If parents are anxious, discuss their anxiety, and try to
help them feel more comfortable. Tell them what to expect, and reassure
them that they can be present at all times to help with behavior management,
distraction, and comforting the child.
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