New Dentist, Same Result

I tried out a new pediatric dentist last week, a little farther away - it’s a larger practice with more rooms, even a “sensory” room. Our visit was merely an exam, not a cleaning. 

I had my phone ready with Hannah’s favorite show, but we still went through the same sh*t. 

Let me go over what we’ve tried practicing with Hannah:

• Electric toothbrush against her skin
• OT exercises to get her comfortable with hands in her mouth
• Laying down and counting her teeth
• Dentist visit books
• Dentist visit videos

Hannah was cooperative at first... we hung out in the parking lot until a staff member escorted us in. They took our temps and we walked through the office. We came to a room and Hannah immediately was reluctant to even get up in the chair. 

I got her up in the chair and she FOUGHT to lay back. 

The dentist, myself and the hygienist tried out best to no avail. The dentist said Hannah needs to first practice just laying down in the chair - which is the most vulnerable position which is probably why Hannah fights it so much. AHA! No one has ever explained that to me. 

Tim took Hannah to a 2nd “Happy Visit” and she did a bit better, but did lay back for a second and let the hygienist show her the tools and look in her mouth a bit. 

I want to continue regular Happy Visits. A gal at the front desk made some comment about “Oh after one Happy Visit, kids are usually good.” I wanted to give her the biggest eyeroll. It’s not that simple, lady. 

I’m hoping with monthly Happy Visits, we can get to an actual cleaning in January.