Pediatric Dentistry: Not all Smiles

So, your child needs a dentist. The “regular” dentist doesn’t see children that young, so you’re referred to a pediatric dentist. You visit the office and find it to be a charming little wonderland for children. Colorful décor, balloons, and often children’s favorite characters or cute animals make up the theme.

No parents beyond this point!

It’s what lurks behind these colorful creations that can be a problem. Oh, but you’ll never see that side, at least not in some pediatric dentist’s offices. No, you’ll be told to wait in the waiting room.

You won’t know that your child is being restrained on a “papoose board,” unless you carefully read all the fine print on those documents you signed. Even if you’re aware of the procedure, you won’t see your precious son or daughter fighting against these restraints with terror-filled eyes, and you won’t hear your child’s screams.

Medicaid can mean Money

If your children have Medicaid, don’t be surprised if they need a lot of work done. See, Medicaid doesn’t pay as much as regular insurance and it doesn’t pay for all that high dollar cosmetic stuff. So, that means they need to find a way to insert more charges.

Some of these so called dentists are only concerned with making a buck and apparently have zero concern for children. There are documented cases of painful, intrusive, and unnecessary work being done and charged to Medicaid. Read the 20/20 story for more info...

Don’t be afraid to speak up

Ask lots of questions. Who cares if you’re viewed as “one of those parents”? I don’t care. They don’t have to like me.

Don’t let them intimidate you. I don’t give a damn if all the other parents quietly walk away (wringing their hands) and go sit in the waiting room.

If you’re told you’ll have to wait outside while the work is being done (you know, to limit your child’s anxiety), don’t automatically give in. Why are so many parents so easily pushed around? Stop it.

In some offices, persistent parents will be allowed to accompany their children. If not, then ask where the observation area is. Some offices have a two-way mirror or other set up so that parents can observe. I’d be much more comfortable with an office that isn’t afraid to let parents too see what’s going on. If something doesn’t feel right, leave. Document everything that made you uncomfortable.

I would also suggest asking other parents about their experiences with a particular pediatric dentist. It doesn’t hurt to seek a second opinion either. Not all pediatric dentists are bad, and I want to make that clear. I’m merely suggesting caution. Be over cautious. You don’t want your child to be the next one to suffer through sixteen baby roots canals -SIXTEEN- in one sitting, like one of the children in the 20/20 report.

Can we say scarred for life?

Do Something

If you have had problems with a pediatric dentist, report them. Think of all those little children who have no voice to speak out. We need to do what we can to help close down any dentist that runs such a torture chamber and gets rich from children’s unnecessary pain.