Pathways Dental Care in Burlington has a program that is geared toward easing any concerns a young child or parent may experience regarding their first dental visit. Dr. Walter Heidary has Child Life Specialists, brought in from the medical field, to aid in the understanding of children at various stages of their emotional development. The result is a Children’s program that has been recognized by the Governor General of Canada and has received an award for this work.
“As dentists, we can help children with teeth and home care but it has been more difficult understanding the emotions of a child,” Dr. Heidary explained. The Child Life Specialist adds balance and assists in developing a partnership that makes the picture complete.
The initial visit to the dental office usually occurs at the age of two, when all the baby teeth have erupted. Small children at this age respond differently, emotionally, and are at a different maturity level than older children. The Self Care program is organized to support a child and empower them as they learn about their mouths and the “sugar bugs”.
If a child requires dental treatment they are prepared with the aid of puppets and role play techniques. “The child becomes the dentist and has a good understanding of what is going to take place. They get to be a part of the experience before the experience becomes part of them.”
The environment in self care is geared to a smaller world; sinks, countertops are all downsized to the height of a child. As they become older, the child transitions to our hygiene department, usually between six to eight years of age.
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www.desiredsmiles.com.
