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Since becoming a registered dental hygienist 33 years ago, I have worked with and learned from two amazing restorative, general dentists. During the first 13 years of my career, I was a student of total mouth reconstructions that these clinicians were skillfully performing. Both practices had been established decades ago by previous dentists who were legendary in their communities. Hence the patients’ ages ranged from 3 to 103! I loved both practices, learning and caring for the folks who trusted me. But I am going to let you in on a little secret…
My Little Secret
It can be extremely challenging to treat children in general practice! Yes, I admit it! Mind you; I gave 100% of my time, skill, and positivity when I saw a pediatric patient. But it always seemed like the patients were bored, frightened, or out of place in the context of an office centered on the most sophisticated adult restorative dentistry available at the time. I was constantly waiting for the dentist to break away from a delicate adult procedure to examine these kids, and I would entertain them while we waited. But my repertoire was limited.
I took a break from clinical hygiene when my twin sons were born, but at their 1st dental appointment in pediatric practice, the dentist asked me if I would fill in for his hygienist the next week. I wanted so badly to say no. What a foolish mistake that would have been.
The first day I was “temp” in a pediatric dental office changed my life FOREVER. I saw happy children entertained and participating in their care. I could enjoy cleaning these kids’ teeth! Talking to them and their parents about home care were fulfilling! No more tears! And even though I offered my time, skill, and positivity exactly as I had in general practice, these kids responded differently. This got me thinking. Hmmm…
The “Pediatric” Difference
The first difference I noticed in the pediatric dental office was the environment. The walls were painted with fun and soothing colors. There were toys everywhere! As I began to temp in other pedo practices, everything was geared towards children from the TV channels, books and magazines, movies, video games, and more! The staff did not need to entertain the patients because the whole place was about them!
Another thing: the open floor design of many pediatric offices allowed children to see other children during treatment, which fostered reduced anxiety when it was time for them to be seen. The “If that kid can do it, so can I” mindset takes over, and… success! The “Tell, Show, Do” approach to learning becomes even smoother as they see others learning.
Pediatric dental practices see kids ALL day, EVERY day. Most general dentists might treat a couple of children a day, and some none. Pediatric practice is centered around treating, comforting, and supporting patients under 21 years of age. A pediatric dentist completes two additional years of schooling after dental school to specialize in the dental treatment of primary and mixed dentitions. The staff in a pediatric office undergoes training focused specifically on treating young patients. They are adept at recognizing conditions requiring orthodontic evaluation. They select materials and methods suited for the specific age of each young patient. There is a definite difference in style, approach, and expertise compared to general dental practice.
My New Secret
Today, I am fortunate to practice as a pediatric dental hygienist at Tebo Dental. I LOVE working in a pediatric dental office– treating, educating, and comforting kids and their parents all day long! My new secret is that I would be thrilled to care for children for the rest of my career!
If you have a child, I recommend hopping on Google and finding a pediatric dental office near you with a good review rating. Any business cannot alter these reviews. Usually, an office with about a 4-star rating and several recent reviews will likely be a place you and your family will enjoy visiting. If I noticed the difference, I am sure your child will, too.
