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A parent's guide to Taking children to the doctor and dentist

Every parent wants a visit to the doctor or dentist with their child to be a calm and reassuring experience. Thoughtful preparation will help to bring this about. Try to allow plenty of time so that you are not stressed by needing to rush. Do take some books or small toys to keep the child occupied in the waiting room. If the need arises, you could make a separate appointment to see the doctor without your child present so that you can discuss plans for treating or managing the child's condition. Then the child should be involved to discuss it at the child's own level.

If the need arises, you could make a separate appointment to see the doctor without your child present so that you can discuss plans for treating or managing the child's condition. Then the child should be involved to discuss it at the child's own level.

How can I prepare my child for a first visit to the dentist?

It may help if you first of all take your child along with you when you have an appointment yourself so that the child is familiar with the dentist's surgery. Talk to your child about the visit but don't talk about it as if it is something to fear. It might be helpful to mention the visit the day before and then again an hour or so before leaving home. Encourage your child by telling him how grown up he is, now that he is old enough to go to the dentist. Explain about the dentist's chair and that the dentist has special tools to examine teeth.

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