How will Dr. Anzelc get my child to cooperate?
Dr. Anzelc uses a combination of "Tell, Show, Do" along with praise and rewards. The procedure steps are often explained as we go. Often the assistant will show the child many of the items we will be using while waiting for the doctor. If the patient seems nervous or uninterested, the parent may want to do activities in the Highlights magazine or talk about things that interest the child while waiting.

During the appointment frequent praise and positive feedback will be used along with awards and stickers for completing different procedures.

How should I prepare my child for a filling or other procedure?
From experience, Dr. Anzelc has found that the less you prepare your child for the procedure the better! Well meaning parents may raise unnecessary anxiety in their child. Children are normally told during a check-up that they will be coming back when we discover a problem or treatment need. It is fine to tell a child that "Dr. Anzelc will fix your tooth" or "Dr. Pam is going to take care of your tooth or teeth". Questions about details of the procedure are best answered by "Dr. Pam will tell you everything she's going to do before she does it" or "Just ask Dr. Pam and she will tell you".

Restoring your child's teeth is never a punishment. Your child is learning important skills in taking care of dental problems and hopefully preventing new ones. These are positive skills. It is especially important for parents who feel anxiety over the impending dental treatment to try not to explain procedures. Children pick up on those fears and anxieties and may become fearful themselves.

Can I come in the treatment room with my child?
Yes. Dr. Anzelc encourages your presence if it makes your child more comfortable. If you choose to come in, Dr. Anzelc asks that you DO NOT SPEAK while she is touching your child's mouth or giving instructions. The child will listen to you over her. This may cause cooperation problems. It also increases the risk of injury to your child or Dr. Anzelc, since your child may move to look at you or stop listening to Dr. Anzelc's instructions. It is also distracting to Dr. Anzelc. She may make things look easy, but intense concentration is being employed. Dr. Anzelc also asks that you do not repeat her instructions. This distracts your child and Dr. Anzelc. The dental assistant helps with additional coaching.

It is appropriate and encouraged that you praise your child when Dr. Anzelc takes her hands out of your child's mouth. All praise should be said in a positive way. For instance "you are doing great" as opposed to "that did not hurt too much" or "that wasn't so bad".

What if I do not want to come in with my child?
If you feel that you would like to wait in the waiting room, that is fine. You can feel free to speak with a receptionist if you want to know how things are going without coming back, or to peek in if you like!

What are words and phrases that I should NOT say in my child's presence?

Dr. Anzelc does not like to use words such as:

She also does not want you to repeat commands or make your own commands such as "say ahh" or "close your eyes". A comment like "close your eyes" often instills anxiety or fear in the child. Telling a child to "say ahh" opens his or her throat and larynx and increases the chance that your child will aspirate water during the procedure.

Why would Dr. Anzelc choose to refer my child to a specialist?
Some children are so young that they are pre-cooperative. They simply are not mature enough to cooperate with the doctor. Some children are uncooperative because of fears, sensitivities, or other reasons. Dr. Anzelc will recommend these children be referred to a specialist's office for treatment.

What if I want my child sedated?
Dr. Anzelc chooses not to sedate children in her private practice, so her staff will help you make arrangements with a pediatric specialist for your child's care. The parent or guardian can choose to have routine preventive visits done at our office or with the specialist as well. The child's best interest is of the utmost importance. The parents' wishes are also important.

Dr. Anzelc and her staff hopes you find this information helpful. Our main concern is that your child's dental needs are met in a safe, comfortable manner.