Normal for dentist to separate kids from parents?

[Anonymous]

Our kids go to a pediatric dentist. Even pre-Covid, they had a policy of separating kids from parents for any procedure beyond a cleaning. The dentist is recommending a procedure for my 5 year that will involve nitrous oxide for sedation and has said that under no circumstances can I be present in the closed room where it will take place.

This makes me feel uncomfortable for a few reasons. First, I've seen how things work in the treatment rooms while sitting with my kids for cleanings when they were young. The scene is often chaotic with cartoons blaring loudly on multiple screens and the dentist and hygienists frequently coming in an our the room, sometimes leaving kids unattended. The kids are obviously scared (crying, etc) and are quickly hustled out in a daze when done. Plus, I'm not entirely sure the procedure they are recommending makes any sense and can't find anything online to support the recommendation. Add that the the stories I've seen on TV about kids be mistreated by dentists and having unnecessary work done just to bill insurance and all my mom instincts are in overdrive.

We've been lucky up to this point that my kids' have great teeth and never needed anything beyond a routine check-up. I've been bothered by the set-up for years and now am faced with the decision to go forward or find a new dentist. Am I overreacting? Is it common for parents to be barred from the room at the dentist?

[Anonymous]

I would absolutely find a new dentist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our kids go to a pediatric dentist. Even pre-Covid, they had a policy of separating kids from parents for any procedure beyond a cleaning. The dentist is recommending a procedure for my 5 year that will involve nitrous oxide for sedation and has said that under no circumstances can I be present in the closed room where it will take place.

This makes me feel uncomfortable for a few reasons. First, I've seen how things work in the treatment rooms while sitting with my kids for cleanings when they were young. The scene is often chaotic with cartoons blaring loudly on multiple screens and the dentist and hygienists frequently coming in an our the room, sometimes leaving kids unattended. The kids are obviously scared (crying, etc) and are quickly hustled out in a daze when done. Plus, I'm not entirely sure the procedure they are recommending makes any sense and can't find anything online to support the recommendation. Add that the the stories I've seen on TV about kids be mistreated by dentists and having unnecessary work done just to bill insurance and all my mom instincts are in overdrive.

We've been lucky up to this point that my kids' have great teeth and never needed anything beyond a routine check-up. I've been bothered by the set-up for years and now am faced with the decision to go forward or find a new dentist. Am I overreacting? Is it common for parents to be barred from the room at the dentist?

Our pediatric dentist office is nothing like that. I’d leave.

[Anonymous]

That’s pretty standard but the chaotic environment you’re describing is not.

[Anonymous]

Our old dentist had that policy and I didn’t love it but let them pull teeth that way. We left for unrelated reasons and I love that our new dentist does not have that policy. I promise not to freak out but I should get to make that decision on my own.

[Anonymous]

Op here. For reference, I also wanted to add that this dentist is very highly rated and always on the Washingtonian top docs list, etc. That's why I'm so curious if this is the norm....?

[Anonymous]

No it is not.

That would be a red flag for me and I would leave.

My kid needs nitrous oxide for his appts. beyond cleanings (fillings, etc.). I am always present (this is not an anomaly--both our current practice and previous practice have parents in the room for appts. and procedures). The only times I've left, as it common, is for x-rays.

I will add that when my son had to get his wisdom teeth extracted, I was in the room (at their request) until the actual extraction. Male dentist performed with a female dental assistant.

Just my experience. You will hear others.

[Anonymous]

I just re-read your OP. The environment you describe would not be one DS and I could deal with (bad family teeth so go to dentist more often). Where are you located?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just re-read your OP. The environment you describe would not be one DS and I could deal with (bad family teeth so go to dentist more often). Where are you located?

We are in western Alexandria so looking for something there or nearby - Fall Church, Annandale, Fairfax, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. For reference, I also wanted to add that this dentist is very highly rated and always on the Washingtonian top docs list, etc. That's why I'm so curious if this is the norm....?

Washingtonian’s Top Docs is a joke. They pay to be featured in that and it means nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would absolutely find a new dentist.

+1

[Anonymous]

We have used two pediatric dentists. That has not been my experience with either one.

[Anonymous]

My pediatric dentist in Vienna does this and it has caused me to look for someone else. She does not allow parents to come back during treatment and also wants to do nitrous for stuff like applying sealants.

[Anonymous]

We are moving dentists for the same reason, though I think the separation policy started during Covid.

[Anonymous]

My 7yo needed to go to an oral surgeon to have a tooth pulled (dentist wouldn't do it). They used nitrous on him and I couldn't go into the room. The oral surgeon and the female dental assistant were there with him. It took about 7 minutes and he walked out on his own, talking but pretty giggly.

I would have preferred to be in the room, but it went fine. The office was calm and quiet, and this was a procedure that needed to be done, so we got it done. This same kid had his tonsils out at age 5 so maybe that helped me get over the general worry about having him undergo sedation for a medical procedure without my presence.

The chaotic treatment rooms don't sound normal though. And if you have concerns about whether the procedure is even necessary, go get a second opinion.