Normal for dentist to separate kids from parents?

[Anonymous]

We’ve had three ped dentists (military moves). First two I was right next to the kids for all procedures. Current one I’m in the room for cleanings but the room for procedures was literally too small for me. But the door was wide open the whole time, there were two hygienists in the room as well, and I was right outside and could hear what was happening. Dd was fine through the whole thing.

I’d find a new dentist.

[Anonymous]

One more piece of anecdotal information;

My pediatric dentist has a quiet, open space where everything but intense treatments are done. In all spaces parents are welcome but not required and there are nearby seats for them. My DD has had nitrous for multiple teeth pullings and there has never been a question about whether or not we could sit by her during the procedure. Even the x-ray room is open to the larger area so a parent can stand in full view of the child. They do have cartoons on ceiling screens but they don’t use sound.

[Anonymous]

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?

Trust your gut. Is there anything nefarious about the setup? Maybe, maybe not. But your instincts are telling you--have been telling you--that you're not okay with it.

I am highly influenced by reading The Gift of Fear & Protecting the Gift.

[Anonymous]

As others have said, find a new dentist. This is not standard procedure and is a red flag for me and many others.

[Anonymous]

Definitely would NOT leave my child with them, especially under sedation. That's ridiculous. Find a new dentist. We went to Oakton Family and they are fantastic.

[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....?

Our dentist is nothing like that. Find a new dentist.

[Anonymous]

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

Same. I would not have been comfortable with that policy.

[Anonymous]

I have used two pediatric dentists and an orthodontist.

I would not be comfortable with a destiny that did not allow parents in the treatment room. Not a chance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Good for your mom.

There was a case recently (possibly in Olney?) where someone was arrested for this. Will see if I can find the link.

[Anonymous]

This wasn’t a child victim, but this is the story from an oral surgery center in Olney.

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/police-fire/surgical-assistant-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-patient-county-police-say/

[Anonymous]

No

[Anonymous]

I almost always wait in the waiting room when my kids have cleanings, even though parents are welcome in there. But one of my kids was nervous about an extraction, so I literally held her hand during the procedure. I woudn't be comfortable with a practice that wouldn't have allowed that.

[Anonymous]

Our pediatric dentist office looks like a nice nail salon crossed with a start-up office - all white and shiny and open spaces. I was with my kid for his cavity filling. I didn’t ask to be.

I have never seen or heard a kid cry at our dentist. It is definitely not chaotic. Each kid has their own ceiling screen and headphones for their chosen show.

[Anonymous]

What? No. Time for a new dentist. How do these dentists stay in business and what parents are allowing this?

[Anonymous]

Find a new dentist asap.
Also, fyi some kids have a delayed bad reaction to nitrous oxide.
But seriously listen to your gut and leave this dental practice asap. No way would I be okay with that at any age with a minor. Very weird and kind of a red flag.