When you have a successful dentistry service it’s important to cater to the needs of all your patients, including children. Unfortunately, children might be anxious to visit the dentist. Being able to ease their anxieties can be the difference between them having a successful visit and not. Fortunately, there are things you and your dental practice can do to soothe a child’s anxiety.
So, what should you do to ease patient anxiety?
Have an Initial Meeting with the Child and Their Parents
Visiting a dental practice for the first time can be a frightening experience and it’s important to ease the patient’s concerns quickly. So, it’s important to arrange an initial meet and greet with the child and their parents or guardians. Remember, you’re a pediatric dentist and you can seem intimidating which can unnerve a child.
So, an initial meet and greet can allow a child (and their parents) to feel at ease being in your practice. For example, show the patient around the practice and let them see there is nothing to be afraid of. It’s the same with the treatment room. It will familiarize them with what to expect upon their first visit. It’ll make your dentistry service seem far less intimidating to them.
Be Mindful of Your Tone
Going to a moody dentist can set anyone on edge, especially a child. So, you must use a friendly tone. It’s also necessary to use positive body language. For instance, let the child know what’s happening during the treatment. Use a positive and reassuring tone as it’ll ease the child’s anxiety. A dentist should always have a positive tone so the patient is reassured by them. to learn more about Reliable Fluoride Mouthwash at https://envisionwellness.ca/3-oral-hygiene-tips-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
Give the Child Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement reassures the patient and keeps their anxieties at bay. So, ‘good job’ can ease concerns. It’s nothing too much but gives the patient positive reinforcement. It’s one of the best ways to ensure the child has a positive experience at a dentistry service. You give them good care and comfort and the patient remains at ease.
Adapt to Every Child’s Needs
Some children react better than others when visiting the dentist and undergoing treatment. There isn’t a simple approach for every patient, especially young children. So, you need to be adaptable as the situation unfolds. For example, a child walks in quite content but gets more anxious as the appointment progresses. So, you need to find ways to ease them, such as with soft toys or a cartoon on the TV to distract them during treatment. click here to learn more ways of easing child walking.
Be Mindful of the Child
Children can quite easily become anxious when they visit the dentist. It’s a scary time, especially when they’re visiting for the first time. So, it’s essential to soothe their anxieties. Fortunately, there are ways to ease some of their concerns. For example, have a meet and greet and show them around the practice. You could also keep a positive tone and talk them through the treatment. A dentistry service can be a positive outlet for children by soothing their worries.
