Normal for dentist to separate kids from parents?

[Anonymous]

We’ve never had any expert remotely like that at our dentist. You need someone new, as others have stated.

[Anonymous]

Find a new pediatric dentist. Our pediatric dentist requires that a parent is in the room for appointments.

[Anonymous]

When I was young, a dentist said my mom could not come (to an evening apt). She got a bad feeling and cancelled. A year later, he was arrested for molesting patients.

I would never allow this, especially under anesthesia.

[Anonymous]

I would switch, OP. I am a licensed child psychologist. Having a child with anxiety myself I have learned that most dentists have very little understanding of behavior management outside of "separate child from mom". For some kids, it is absolutely necessary, and for some kids, it makes the situation a lot worse.

Our first dentist really could not open her mind to the idea that some kids use parents for support, not escape, so we switched practices. I found a new place by emailing and asking what their policy was for having parents in the room during appointments and procedures. Places were pretty upfront about how open they were to the idea.

We've been very happy at our current practice for a long time and both the dentist and orthodontist have no problem when I join my child. Most of the time I don't need to anymore, but when he asks it's not a big deal.

[Anonymous]

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

PP here. Even during covid I was allowed to stay with my daughter. And I’ve been with my kids when they had NO and had teeth pulled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Jayne Delaney off of Duke and Pickett. They would never separate you, and none of their "rooms" have doors, so you can always see what is going on. Both of my kids have needed procedures with nitrous oxide and I sat right next to my children. No way would I go to your dentist.

https://www.baby2th.com/meet-our-doctors.html

[Anonymous]

I called around until I found a dentist that allowed me to stay with my children.

If you are uncomfortable OP then change dentists. Rankings mean nothing.

[Anonymous]

There is no way I’d go along with that. I have a 9yo and 4yo and never had a forced separation at the dentist. Sounds bizarre

[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?

You are not overreacting. This is f**g ridiculous and non-standard. Demanding you are separated from your 5y for a dental procedure? For what reason? It's bizarre /and unless they have >= 2 people in the room it's a perfect cover for molestation.

[Anonymous]

No, not normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Growing smiles in falls church. My child is never separated from me. She has extreme anxiety and always feel comfortable there. Sadly she has soft teeth so has had a few procedures. Great experience with Dr G and team!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would absolutely find a new dentist.

Same here!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

This exactly.

[Anonymous]

JC. Find a new dentist. Will anyone else be in the room. If not, he likely plans on fondling your kid while he/ she is under.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would absolutely find a new dentist.

You ABSOLUTELY fire any doctor who wants your child while you go away!!!!! AND you name them HERE. Why is this even a question?????