At Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves a healthy smile, so we’ve made it our mission to provide a safe, comfortable environment for our patients. We love children, and we understand that each child has unique needs.
That’s why we use behavioral guidance techniques as part of every appointment. So, what are the most effective behavioral guidance strategies we use? Keep reading to learn more.
Effective Behavioral Guidance Strategies
Our dental team is trained in behavioral guidance strategies, focusing on active listening, flexibility, tolerance, empathy, and communication. We understand these traits help us provide the best dental care for your little one’s smile.
Here are the techniques you’ll witness during your child’s dental appointment:
- Non-threatening language — We use child-friendly terminology to make your little one comfortable and relaxed. For example, we call the drill a “water whistle,” cavities are “sugar bugs,” and injections are “sleepy juice.” We strive to make your child’s visit exciting and fun instead of scary.
- The Tell-Show-Do Technique — To build trust with your child, we “tell” them what we will do, using non-threatening language. Then, we “show” them the dental instruments we’ll use. Finally, we “do” the procedure.
- Distraction — For some pediatric dentistry patients, distraction works well to keep your child happy and occupied. We have TVs mounted on the ceiling so they can watch their favorite show during their treatment.
- Sedation — Our nitrous oxide sedation helps your child relax and get the dental care they need. If necessary, we also offer in-office IV sedation and general anesthesia.
We encourage parents to follow our lead and mimic these behavioral guidance strategies during their child’s appointment. Working together, we can ensure your little one achieves optimal oral health.
Want to Learn More about Behavioral Guidance in Apple Valley?
We will happily assist you if you want to speak with a dental team member about behavioral guidance strategies or our preventive dentistry offerings! At Carousel Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, your child’s oral health is our top priority. We know you want what’s best for your child, and we want to be part of their oral health journey.
Contact us at (952) 715-6177 to schedule an appointment.