Visit to the Dentist

Preparing for Success!

It is now time to plan a visit to the dentist. The following section will offer some tools and recommendations to help ensure the success of this experience and to maintain a positive continuity.

child introduction & needs form

The following form will help you document your child’s current challenges as well as the tools and strategies that will be helpful during the dentist appointment. We invite you to complete it at home and submit it to your dental clinic before the appointment (when scheduling the appointment, during the pre-appointment visit, etc.).

download the form

Digital version

Printable version

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WHILE SCHEDULING THE APPOINTMENT

Take time to explain your child’s situation (e.g., child with special needs, who has particular challenges, fears, or sensitivities).
Ask if the first appointment can be longer, to avoid rushing.
Choose a time when your child is more cooperative (e.g., avoid nap time or late in the day when your child is more tired).
Ask if it is okay to bring a blanket or a comforting object from home.
Ask if it is possible to schedule a pre-visit to the clinic, without any dental procedures being performed on that day, so your child can discover the waiting and dental room beforehand.
Ask if you can email them the “Child Introduction & Needs Form” before the first appointment, so it can be reviewed by the dental team.

explore

if a pre-visit is possible

Sit in the waiting room with your child.
Visit the hallway and look at an unoccupied dental room.
Enter the dental room (stay calm, no pressure). Feel free to take pictures of the room, of your child entering the room, and of the equipment.
Sit on the dental chair (the parent or a toy can do it first) and see if your child is willing to do the same.
Check with the hygienist if it is possible to show the dental tools to your child for exploratory purposes.
Remember it is important not to force things and to respect your child’s pace in this exploratory phase.

history

the day before the visit

Choose a calm time of day to review together, step by step, what will happen during the visit the next day.
Play a game, look at the photos taken during the pre-visit, or reread a book that was previously used for past home exercises.
Gather the items to bring to the appointment (e.g., comforting object, familiar book, photos of the place, favorite music, video, etc.).
As they are familiar items that could help during the appointment, prepare your child’s toothbrush and toothpaste to bring to the dentist.
Make sure to bring a printed version of the completed “Child Introduction & Needs Form”. It will serve as a memory aid when discussing the various calming strategies that can help ensure the success of the appointment with the dentist.

dentistry

during the first visit

Welcome to an Adapted Appointment:

A personalized desensitization approach offered by Sourires Solidaires to acclimate children who require specific support for dental care.

DURING THE FIRST VISIT

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If the appointment duration has been extended (see “While Scheduling the Appointment” step), emphasize to the dentist how this adaptation phase will lead to a more positive experience for your child.
Inform the dentist that, due to your child's particular condition, it may not be possible to complete all planned dental care during one examination and that multiple appointments may be necessary.
Stay calm. Without anticipating your child's needs, assess if they need you to hold their hand or sing a soothing song to reassure them. Make sure to be there for your child as well as, support the dentist and hygienist.
Avoid talking at the same time as the professionals to avoid the environment from being too noisy and listen to any requests the dental team may have.
To be fully available to care for your child during the appointment, make sure to turn off your cell phone.

explain the preparation done at home

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Describe to the dentist the exercises done at home and highlight what works well and what could be helpful for the appointment.

Use the “Child Introduction & Needs Form” to present important information about your child.

Suggest counting out loud during the procedure.
Highlight the communication tools commonly used with your child in their routine that might help them understand or express themselves during the procedure (e.g., communication board, signs, pictograms, etc.). Specify which ones usually help.
If applicable, show the dentist the different calming strategies:

The comforting toy or object brought from home (used in past home exercises).
The soft blanket (ask the dentist if it can be placed on the chair).
Soothing music or the child’s favorite music, soothing objects, ear protectors, weighted buddy or blanket.
Portable device to watch videos, if deemed appropriate and helpful.

Highlight that it might be beneficial to show your child the dental equipment and instruments before performing the procedure.
Mention to the dentist that your child understands and cooperates better when they are informed in advance about the procedure to be done in their mouth and when the procedure is demonstrated beforehand.
Let the dentist know if you have brought your child’s toothbrush and toothpaste to facilitate the interventions, as they are part of a familiar daily routine.

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end of the visit -moving forward

Determine with the dental team the objectives of the next appointment and how to prepare your child (e.g., X-Rays, etc.).
Remind your child the successful steps they completed and praise them, emphasizing their achievements (e.g., Well done! You sat in the chair, we tilted the chair, you gave kisses to the suction pump, you opened your mouth with the mirror, you cleaned your teeth with the tool, etc.).
Take pictures (of the room, your child in the chair, during the procedure, the waiting room, etc.). This allows for a review of the experience, reinforcing successes and preparing for future visits.