Communicating with parents and children in the dental office

J Calif Dent Assoc. 2013 Aug;41(8):597-601.

Abstract

Providing dental care for children can be challenging. Successful treatment is often dependent upon the effectiveness of the communication between the dentist, parent and patient. Effective communication should be developed by establishing rapport and trust during the initial visit. Few parents realize the disadvantage of the dentist who is introduced to a child who is anxious, afraid or resistant. They undoubtedly expect the dentist to provide care regardless of the child's reaction.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health
  • Behavior Control
  • Child
  • Child Behavior
  • Communication*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Dental Anxiety / prevention & control
  • Dental Care / psychology
  • Dentist-Patient Relations*
  • Emotions
  • Goals
  • Humans
  • Parent-Child Relations
  • Parenting / psychology
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Patient Care Team
  • Privacy
  • Professional-Family Relations*
  • Time Factors
  • Trust