FYI

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month. What a perfect time to make going to the dentist a better, more comfortable experience for kids.

When kids establish a positive relationship with the dentist early on, they form strong oral health habits that they carry into adulthood. Building trust with our littlest patients is crucial — however, most general practices tend to cater more toward adults. The good news is, there are a few simple things you can do to foster a kid-friendly environment in your practice and make it more welcoming for patients of all ages.

Here are a few simple ways to make your practice kid-friendly:
 

Make your waiting area more engaging

Ease kids’ nerves by adding fun distractions to your practice’s waiting area. This can include kid-friendly magazines, books, interactive educational tools and an activity table with puzzles or games.

Creating a family-oriented atmosphere not only benefits kids — it also pleases parents, who want the reassurance that their children will feel comfortable and cared for when visiting the dentist. Happy kids and parents mean increased patient retention and referrals to your practice.
 

Use kid-friendly language

When treating kids, be sure to clearly explain procedures step-by-step, in simple language that children can understand. Words like “x-rays” or “drill” can feel scary for little ones, so opt for softer terms. X-rays might be called “pictures,” the lead apron a “jacket,” and safety glasses can become “cool shades.” Get creative and have fun with it — a sense of humor does wonders for alleviating nerves.
 

Get to know them

Ask your younger patients about their interests, hobbies and school. This lets them know that you care about their opinions and helps build trust. Dental staff: it’s a good idea to inform the dentist of the child’s interests before they meet, so they can have a few conversation starters ready. As a general rule, try to find out a few things that the child likes, and what grade they’re in. You may also consider keeping some notes about the child’s interests on file to reference the next time they visit your practice.
 

Skip the intimidating white coat

For many kids, fear of the dentist stems from the clinical atmosphere. Some dentists who treat younger patients skip the typical white lab coat and opt for colorful scrubs or more casual clothing instead. When kids see their dentist as friendly and approachable, they’re less likely to develop a phobia that they may carry into adulthood.
 

Stock up on prizes

Give kids something to look forward to by treating them to a special prize at the end of their appointments. You could provide them with a take-home oral care kit that includes a colorful toothbrush, flavored toothpaste and fun, kid-friendly educational activities that encourage them to continue healthy dental habits at home.

Or, take it one step further and place a prize box in a visible, central location in your office. This allows kids to literally keep their “eyes on the prize” as they go into their appointment and gives them something positive to think about. Incentivize kids by gently reminding them of the toy or treat they’ll get after their exam — the point is to use positive reinforcement, so they come to view the dentist as a fun place to be.
 

Get started with Delta Dental’s free resources for kids

Kindness and fun are the keys to making your practice more welcoming for children and parents alike. Delta Dental is here to help with free educational activities for kids, available to use in your office waiting area or as take-home prizes. From coloring books to finger puppets and paper dolls, check out our printable digital downloads for creative ways to make your younger patients smile.