How Old Is Old Enough?

I would NEVER allow my children to be taken back with out me. And they cannot insist on it either. It is a matter of their safety to me. The people back there are strangers and I teach my kids not to be with strangers so what kind of mixed message would that be. I think I will continue to go with them until they are 10. I know it annoys some of the people who work there but they should be thankful. It only take one word and it can be a career ender for them.just my 2 cents

Hello K.,

This is how things are done at my childrens dentist also. I have to say I was a bit taken back when I first heard this also but it has worked out great. I have a 2 1/2 year old son that I went "back" with the first trip to the dentist. It was hard because he didn't want any one to touch him except me. He fought and fussed and it made for a horrible trip. The next time I was dreading. But that time they asked my son to come back on his own, with a little coaxing and away he went. He sat like a big boy, opened his mouth big and wide each time the hygenist asked him and even let them brush his teeth with floride. I was so proud of him! I peeked through the door a couple of times...I was so impressed with my little man. My daughter went for the first time at age 3 and went back by herself from the get go and has done wonderful. I always go back at the end to talk with our dentist and have a look at their teeth.

I know that it sounds hard as a mom to not have control over the appointment but in our case it has been a great experience. The pride and joy that my kids face show after the appt says it all! It has helped to make them more independent and autonomous! And as hard as it is for me to admit, its nice!

Hope my experience helps a little! Please let me know if you need anything else!

H. P.

I wouldn't allow my daughter to go into the dentist alone. She's 2 1/2 and her dentist is VERY much into making the kids and the parents at ease. In my opinion, NO Dr.'s office should have a policy where you can't go back with your child....no matter HOW old (especially 3...that's way too young...at least for my daughter).

Follow your instinct, if you feel uncomfortable about, I would acknowledge that.

My daughters dentist is in Tualitin, his name is Dr. "Brandon" (I'm drawing a blank on his last name at the moment, but that's what he goes by) he's wonderful. He also does a good majority of oral surgeries at Emanuel Hospital...if you'd like his number, I'd be more than happy to get it for you.

K., my daughter takes her 2 children to a dentist in Sylvan. My grandson was nearly 3 when he first went. This dentist was recommended by a co-worker who said that she never went in with her children even when they were younger.

I was the one to take my grandson and it was great. They have all sorts of things for the kids to look at or do depending on their age. I went back with them and stayed until they got involved with an assistant and an activity and then I went back to the waiting room. I thought for sure my grandson would cry and fight them. He does with everyone else. But he didn't and the office is open enough that I would've heard him. He came out happy with his new toothbrush but wanted to go back in.

If you want the dentist's name I can look it up but I think that it would be best to stay with the dentist that he knows. They know how to treat children that age. When I questioned my not staying with him the assistant said that kids do better without the parent there and it was fine.

K.,

I have four kids 5-15 and our dentist allows us to be in the room and wonder around as much as we like. He is awesome and his staff are like old friends. It's a great place to go, he is gentle and kind. I do suggest Ellen for the hygenist. His office is on Hawthorne.

Dr. Kuhn Marshall
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Sometimes, the dentist finds it easier to deal with the child when the parent is not present. The reason why, is your child can sense your anxieties. I would ask the dentist why he wants the child alone. I bet you anything, it is because the patient is more willing to listen to him. If that is the case, you could always ask if you can peek into the room and check.