We do not use the words “needle” or “drill”. We call the novacaine “sleepy water” and we call the drill “Mister Whireee”. We never sneak up on a child and surprise them. Children fear the unknown, so we use the method of “Tell, show, do”. This method really works with the children. We will tell your child that “Mr. Tickly” cleans their teeth and “Mister Whireee” takes the “rotten black spots” out of their teeth so that we may make them white and strong again.

Be careful not to communicate your own dental phobias to your child by your actions, expressions, or words. (e.g.:Throwing your arms around your child in pity after an appointment. This communicates to your child that we must have hurt them or done something painful to them.) We ask simply applaud your child and give them a hug of pride in what a great patient he/she is. Your child may cry during an appointment, but we have lots of experience in handling many different types of children with different personalities and medical conditions.

Please inform us if you are concerned about something in particular, but otherwise you may leave all to us. If you have any questions or concerns please ask for a conference in the private office so that your dentist may address them. Please do not ask the treating dentist many questions in the treatment room or in the waiting room as this disturbs the flow of patients scheduled.