Preparing a child for the dentist

Our dentists find the right approach for every child, but the visit goes best when parents and the team work together.

Before the visit

• Tell your child you will be in the room the whole time.
• Avoid phrases like “don't be scared” or “it won't hurt”. Say the dentist will look at the teeth and clean them.
• Keep your own unpleasant memories to yourself.
• Skip words like “needle” or “drill”.
• Do not book the visit at nap time or when the child is usually tired.
• Make sure the child has eaten.
• If there is pain, explain that the dentist will help make it stop.
• For small children, describe the dentist as a kind doctor who likes children and makes them healthy.