plansrme Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Just took my 8 yo to a new orthodontist and learned that no parents are permitted in the treatment room. Even when the patient is 8 and has never been there before. I have heard of this from dentists (not mine, of course), but I've not heard of an orthodontist with this policy. I explained that this was not acceptable and walked out, but I am wondering if this is common among orthodontists. My 14 yo has braces from a different ortho, and that has never been his policy, but what is typical? Terri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 If you do a search on these boards, you'll see that it is common enough that many of us have had the same problem that you have with it. And we've walked out too. There are dentists and orthodontists who do allow parents though and those are the ones we go to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose in BC Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Yes ours allows us in the room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nukeswife Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Nope my son's orthodontist is awesome. He's actually got his "treatment rooms" set up so it's one big open room with 6 stations and right in the middle are big comfy overstuffed chairs for the parents to hang out in while their kids are getting stuff changed. The only private rooms are the ones for consults for before the kids get braces but they have plenty of chairs so the parents/siblings can come in with the patient. Then again, like I said my son's ortho is awesome and has a Thomas the Tank Engine table and playstation 3 the kids can use while we're waiting or that we can hang out an use while oldest is in the treatment area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KS_ Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Nope my son's orthodontist is awesome. He's actually got his "treatment rooms" set up so it's one big open room with 6 stations and right in the middle are big comfy overstuffed chairs for the parents to hang out in while their kids are getting stuff changed. The only private rooms are the ones for consults for before the kids get braces but they have plenty of chairs so the parents/siblings can come in with the patient. Then again, like I said my son's ortho is awesome and has a Thomas the Tank Engine table and playstation 3 the kids can use while we're waiting or that we can hang out an use while oldest is in the treatment area. Ours sounds very similar - open rooms with seating for family in each "room" (along with other very family friendly and fun policies - they give tickets out things like being on time, no broken brackets, etc., and about 2x a year, give away a big prize, like an Ipad, laptop, TV). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 If you do a search on these boards, you'll see that it is common enough that many of us have had the same problem that you have with it. And we've walked out too. There are dentists and orthodontists who do allow parents though and those are the ones we go to. Yep. We only choose ones that allow parents and siblings in the rooms. No compromise on this policy for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Just took my 8 yo to a new orthodontist and learned that no parents are permitted in the treatment room. Even when the patient is 8 and has never been there before. I have heard of this from dentists (not mine, of course), but I've not heard of an orthodontist with this policy. I explained that this was not acceptable and walked out, but I am wondering if this is common among orthodontists. My 14 yo has braces from a different ortho, and that has never been his policy, but what is typical? Terri No, not for me. I went back every single time when they were young. I even go back now with a 15 year old IF I have a question, because the doctors never, ever speak to the parent once the check has cleared. That annoys me. Our office is totally about doing what makes the kids (not the parents) comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Yep. We only choose ones that allow parents and siblings in the rooms. No compromise on this policy for us. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Great White North Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 My orthodontist allows parents in the treatment room and has no problems performing quality work in their presence without disturbances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 At our orthodontist, all of the patients are at stations in one huge room. There is a chair for one parent and the rest have to stand. We all come and go as we please from the waiting room. Sometimes my kids will go and sit with one of my sons and I will stay in the waiting room. They are great about you asking questions of any kind. The orthodontist will joke with all of the kids. I didn't realize that all orthodontists aren't like this. Our dentist will let us roam in and out of the treatment rooms also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thea Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 My younger two see the same ortho and they have chairs for parents in the treatment area and they ask you to come back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Yes. Our ortho actually encourages parents to watch each session so that instructions can be passed along just one time to both kids and parents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmoe Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Yes, I can be in the room, but even if I couldn't the rooms are open so I see them from the waiting room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laundrycrisis Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Good for you for walking out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 I suppose my ds is old enough that this never happened to us back in the day when he was a minor. I would ask the dentist if he expects the child to pay the bill or you? In case, he/she indicates the latter, you will be in the treatment room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 It is a common (and increasing) practice in dentistry and orthodontia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elinor Everywhere Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 At ours, they give me the option of staying in the main waiting room, coming back to the treatment area waiting room, or sitting in the "parent chair" right next to my dd. If it's a long appointment, I'll sometimes leave and run errands, but most of the time I like seeing what's going on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Ours has one giant room with chairs for parents by each station. Find a welcoming place! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Both the dentist and orthodontist allow parents in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meltf928 Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Ours allows parents in the treatment rooms, though we choose to use the waiting room. I really like and trust our ortho, but if DD wanted me to come back with her I would. Our ortho actually has children that home school. Our dentist also allows the parents to come back. Again, we choose not to, but we can. For me, I feel like when it's FORBIDDEN is when I start to raise an eyebrow. It's not negotiable for me. It's now about standing there, hovering, etc, it's about feeling welcome and like they aren't hiding anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Yes, always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veritaserum Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 The only time I haven't been with a child during a dental or orthodontic procedure was when my oldest had to be put under general anesthesia for a minor oral surgery. She is currently in braces and I have a big comfy chair to sit in at her feet while the ortho is working on her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 (edited) At our ortho, parents don't typically go back with the kids beyond the initial visits, but make exceptions where necessary. When my middle son who had sensory issues first visited the ortho, I asked if I could be there as support to him. I explained his issues and they were OK with that, especially when I emphasized that it would make him more compliant. But, they really didn't have room to have every parent back there. There is one big room with several treatment chairs with techs working on different patients. The orthodontist often bounces back and forth between patients. Once my son was comfortable with the routine, I didn't need to be in the room anymore, as I was in the way. With the dentist, I found one who would allow me to be in the room until they felt I wasn't needed. They also knew not to do anything other than what we had pre-arranged (no flouride ever, no x-rays without discussing it ahead of time.) I haven't needed to be back with my kids in quite a few years and I trust the dental office we go to. If my kids needed more than just a cleaning, I would be there if they needed me. ETA: Our dentist always checks back with me after the exam. He rarely has anything to say other than to keep doing what we are doing. If he had issues to discuss, he would bring me back to the treatment room to show me and discuss options. The ortho tech checks in with the parents at each visit to update them on progress and to tell when they need another appointment. We are soon to be done with the ortho as ds15 gets his braces off next month (WOO HOO!) So far, it doesn't look like dd will need them. Both dh and I are scratching our heads on that one as we both needed extensive ortho work as kids. Edited January 9, 2012 by dirty ethel rackham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 At our military ortho in Germany you had to accompany your child to the treatment room or they would not see them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Refused to see several dentists who had this policy. Given the multiple scandals with overzealous and fraudulant treatment, and molestation, I wouldn't do it. Plus I go with my kids to the doctor, so I don't see what makes the dentist special. Took me forever to find one, though. In general, I find certain immigrant doctors are way more understanding about why kids want their parent. I saw an orthodontist as a teen, and I have no memory of my mom being around for all the appts, but she definitely was for some, and there was always a female assistant around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lllll Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 (edited) .. Edited December 24, 2012 by ksva Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Yes. I wouldn't go to an orthodontist that didn't, particularly with a child on the young side for treatment (my younger son got braces at 8, and I definitely think that's young!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
higginszoo Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 My current orthodontist is fine with parents going back as long as there aren't siblings tagging along, too (there have been incidents with roaming siblings). My one in orthodontic treatment at the moment is 13, and having me with him actually feeds his anxiety, so I stay out anyway. The doctor is the dad of one of his scout friends, though, one of the dads who goes on quite a few of the campouts, so ds is pretty comfortable with him. When ds and dd had early phase orthodontia the last place we lived, I'd go back and bring my littlest, who stayed on my lap and chattered to the technicians and doctor -- she entertained them so much that they gave her a shirt of her own just like the ones they gave the patients. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianmumof5 Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Ours has one giant room with chairs for parents by each station. Find a welcoming place! :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 My ortho was fine with both me and and her sister going back (he has rooms, small but separate). The few times she stayed in the waiting room, they asked if she was sure she didn't want to come in. He generally talks about what he is seeing and thinking as he goes along. If he waited till the end, I'd feel like he was giving more of a general summary and not being as thorough, kwim? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share Posted January 10, 2012 When I balked at the requirement that I leave, the woman started mumbling about OSHA regulations. OSHA??? I wanted to ask her, "Do you have a crane back here?" But I didn't. I was nice, didn't make a scene, but she still looked at me like I had two heads. Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. Thanks to previous threads here, I might have thought to ask before going to a new dentist, but for some reason, it never occurred to me that an established orthodontist would have this policy. Thankfully, I live in an area with plenty of orthodontists, and I have made an appointment with another who, according to my neighbor, has no such policy. Terri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Shoulda been a poll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Kiddos Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Ours just has a giant room with multiple chairs which is so nice for being able to see everything. But not so bice when the kid next to you is screaming! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Parents are allowed in the room at both our dentist and orthodontist's office. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Yes, they do, and I am there every time. They have an open bay area with multiple workstations right there. I always see other parents with their dc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Yes, my ortho not only allows parents to accompany their kids but actively encourages it. The treatment area is set up to accommodate parents at every station. After a very bad experience with my children's last dentist I absolutely refuse to take them to anyone who will not allow me to accompany them to the back if I want to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nukeswife Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Ours sounds very similar - open rooms with seating for family in each "room" (along with other very family friendly and fun policies - they give tickets out things like being on time, no broken brackets, etc., and about 2x a year, give away a big prize, like an Ipad, laptop, TV). Our gives "Bivens Bucks" for those things (that's part of the ortho's name) and the kids can save up for things like t-shirts, iTunes gift cards, or even and iPod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeeBeaks Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Allowed, not required. Dentist and ortho are brothers in the same practice, and the treatment room for ortho is an open area with a seating area next to it for parents. The dentist has treatment rooms with chairs for parents to be there with kids. They do all my kids at once in the same room. We all squish in there. LOL They are good though. They examine the littlest ones on the parent's lap (2 and under). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawana Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Parents are welcome at our orthodontist. In fact, the large treatment room is open to a back waiting area where parents can wait. Or, if you wish, you may sit right next to your child. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 There's always a chair, and he addresses me when talking about ds's progress, the plan, whatever. Some parents choose not to stay back there for the entire visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenneinCA Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 The orthodontist prefers to not have parents in the treatment area. But they will come and get a parent anytime a child asks for one. Really, I was asked to go back once when dd13 (then 12) asked for me. I know some dentists/orthodontists say this and don't mean it. This one DOES! And they will let me go back and see/talk to the orthodontist whenever I have questions. I have done this before too. I had questions about a baby tooth not moving and I was invited back and all was explained. The area has four (I think, maybe six?) chairs and not enough room for more people in the back. We are just finishing two years of braces and didn't have any issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I am allowed in the treatment room. There are little "parent stools" and there are also baskets of books for small children to look at - I've always assumed they were for younger siblings that come back with Mom, but I don't know for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 We've had two different orthodontists, both of whom let parents observe, and provide a parent chair by each patient chair. Depending on what was being done, sometimes we watched and sometimes we drifted back to the waiting room so younger dd could play the games. My oldest dd was very nervous about impressions and x-rays. Her ortho suggested we observe those from out of dd's visual range to help her stay more calm. The dentist suggested the same thing when that dd received a filling. Dh stood in the hallway for the whole procedure because I gave him strict instructions to stay with dd. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassoonaroo Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Ours allows parents in the treatment rooms, though we choose to use the waiting room. I really like and trust our ortho, but if DD wanted me to come back with her I would. Our ortho actually has children that home school. Our dentist also allows the parents to come back. Again, we choose not to, but we can. For me, I feel like when it's FORBIDDEN is when I start to raise an eyebrow. It's not negotiable for me. It's now about standing there, hovering, etc, it's about feeling welcome and like they aren't hiding anything. :iagree: Exactly this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma23peas Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Yep, ours has momma chairs right next to the patient chair, every time I'm in there I'm greeted and asked if I have any questions, he talks as they go through the process...I would not go to one if they did not let me in..no matter how old they are! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 We had a dentist try this, under no circumstances would I allow it. Find someone else. Perhaps once you have a comfortable relationship with them and your child is comfortable you could allow them in alone, otherwise no way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 So far the only time I have not been in a room with my kids getting dental work done is when they were put out for dental surgery. Anything else I am right there and consulted every step of the way. I would not allow them to take my child in a room without me there. (If it was a long communal type room(like my ortho had when I was a teen - 8 chairs in arow nearly everyone full) and my child wanted to go alone I would allow it) But as a general rule if an ortho did not allow it I would do like you did and take my business elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheApprentice Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 We are allowed in both the dentist and orthodontist rooms. I especially like this with my younger ds, although this past time, he went with the dentist on his own.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebug42 Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 Parents don't go back with the kids at either our dentist or orthodontist. I am obviously in the minority but I don't have a problem with it. Both would get me if there was a problem but the kids have never had a problem. At the dentist, I am called back at the end and discuss what was found/not found by the dentist. The ortho or the tech always comes out to talk to me at the end of the session. I personally am seriously dentist phobic and I don't want that to rub off on my kids. I think they are better off without me in there with them. ETA: For Boo-Boo's very first dental visit when she was 2.5-3, I was asked to go back with her and hold her while the dentist looked at her teeth. It was never necessary again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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