How to Make Your Child Comfortable at the Family Dentist

A trip to the family dentist doesn’t have to be scary.  Your child can actually enjoy going to the dentist so much that they brag about it to their friends.  In order to accomplish this you first need to find a local dentist that enjoys working with children.  Kids can sense if they are in an environment that is welcoming towards them and Dr. Hoang and his staff go above and beyond to welcome patients of all ages.

Now that you have found the right dentist there are specific steps you can take to make going to the dentist more fun.  Here are our favorite tips that span all ages.

• Talk about the visit.   No matter how old they are, discussing your trip to the dentist and what will happen, can make your child feel more at ease when they are at the actual appointment.  Knowing what to expect can take away any fears that they may have.
• Visit our website.  Show your child a picture of Dr. Hoang so that they can become familiar with him.  Let them know that this is your new dentist whom you will meet very soon. One look at his friendly smile and children will know that he is a nice and friendly family dentist.
• Read a book.  Visit your local library and pick up a book about visiting the dentist.  There are dental books for all ages and reading a story helps children to visualize the experience.  For example, if Elmo can visit the dentist and have fun they can too!
• Prizes.  If your child is particularly nervous about visiting the dentist or having a dental procedure done, consider giving them a small prize or award for having good behavior.  This could include seeing a movie immediately after the appointment or getting to have a friend spend the night.  Give your child something to look forward to that takes their mind off of the appointment.
• Stop by the office.  You are welcome to visit our Philadelphia dentist office at any time.  Our staff will show you and your child around so that they can become familiar with the overall office environment.  Children feel safe and comfortable in places they recognize.  A positive tour experience can set the tone for their actual appointment.
• Speak positively.  Have a conversation with your child and say positive things about going to the dentist.  Tell them how a family dentist can help them to stay healthy and to feel better.  Talk about the first time you went to the dentist and how exciting it was.  Children enjoy hearing about other people’s positive or funny experiences.  Speak lightly of your visits and explain how it will help them.

You can rest assured that your child will enjoy meeting Dr. Hoang and visiting our family dentist office.  We make sure that all of our patients are comfortable, regardless of how old they are.  Having regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings are an important part of your child’s overall health.  We will partner with you to make sure that each and every visit is a positive one.