FYI

With school out for the summer, you can expect to see more kids and teens visiting your practice. When it comes to treating younger patients, here are a few tips to keep everyone smiling.
 

Communication matters

Good communication skills are an important part of helping kids feel comfortable and helping parents feel like their children are in good hands. Don’t just ask how school is going; get a sense for who patients are as whole people by asking about kids’ favorite shows, movies, musical artists, hobbies, sports and food. By asking kids these questions directly and not just talking to their parents, you can establish a positive communication link with your patient. And if you have especially young children coming to your practice, it can help to speak to them in  child-friendly terms. Drills, injections and extractions might carry a scary connotation, but buzzers, mosquito bites and wiggling teeth out don’t.
 

Look at your office through the eyes of a child

Is your office someplace a kid would want to be? Adding some toys, stuffed animals,  books and  games to your waiting room can make it more enjoyable for kids to spend time there. If you see a lot of children, or if your practice tends to have a lot of patients in the waiting room, you might consider dedicating some space specifically for kids. And once the visit is over, don’t forget to reinforce good dental behavior with praise and little rewards like a sticker or small toy.
 

Think like a teen

When it comes to relating to teens, stickers might not be the right tool for the job, but that doesn’t mean they won’t benefit from your wisdom and dental advice. Social media is full of trends and advice that can do major damage to teens’ teeth. But you can use popular social media platforms like TikTok to educate viewers and reach new patients. Suggest healthy tips over quick fixes, promote positive self-images and let parents know if you learn about troublesome trends emerging on social media.
 

Don’t forget to stay in touch

Summer can be a busy time for kids and families, and it can be helpful to stay active in reminding patients when they’re due for a check-up. Email or text patients when they have an appointment coming up, and let patients know ahead of time if you’re planning on closing the office for a vacation.