nothing bad will happen to them if mom or dad is there,” Dr. Mohanta says. “And the parents can see what is happening instead of sitting in the waiting room feeling worried and maybe hearing sounds that suggest that their child is in distress. There is a sense of trust for both parent and child when they can be in the operatory together.” Dr. Mohanta says that if a treatment isn’t successful and a young patient needs a referral, a parent who was in the operatory will know why and won’t blame the treating dentist. In some smaller dental operatories, there is not a lot of physical space for parents to be present. But having a parent in the operatory is not an infection prevention and control concern at this point in time, according to Dr. Mohanta. “There is no longer a restriction on having chaperones in the operatory or in waiting rooms,” she says. To make the presence of a parent in the operatory a success, Dr. Mohanta suggests having written guidelines for parents to read beforehand. “This sets clear expectations for the parents so they know how to be most helpful to their child and to the dental team,” she says. “I also encourage dentists to be confident because then parents will more naturally take a supportive role instead of trying to give directions to their child.” Dr. Olga Rodrigues, a dentist in Goderich, Ontario, says that she prefers not to have parents in the operatory when treating older children. “I like to focus my attention on the child, instead of trying to have a three-way conversation,” she says. “But after hearing Dr. Mohanta’s advice, I drew up some guidelines for parents. It’s helpful for the parents, for me and the whole dental team to have a shared expectation of how a dental visit should proceed.” She says that, at times, older children are more forthcoming with her about their oral health issues when parents are not also in the room. “My main goal is to successfully provide the care my patient needs,” says Dr. Rodrigues. “In some situations, that means having parents in the operatory while, in others, it means asking them politely to stay in the waiting room.” Dr. Mohanta feels that parenting styles have changed since she was a child. In general, parents are more involved and less trusting of others with their children. “Also, as we practice patient-centered care, which works toward the best experience of dental care possible, children usually want their parents with them,” she says. “Allowing parents in the operatory aligns with the patient-centered values of giving patients choice and control over their own experience.” Please sit in the chair provided. “I actually want them sitting down instead of standing,” says Dr. Mohanta. “People are more relaxed when they sit and they are less likely to get in our way. In our operatory, if they want to sit beside the child, they must sit on the left side.” Please only use positive and appropriate language. “I don’t want the parent to say triggering words like needle, shot or hurt,”says Dr.Mohanta.“I also don’t want the parent to start sharing their own previous dental experiences in front of a child.” Please be calm and relaxed. “Don’t get angry with the child, of course,” says Dr. Mohanta. “We don’t want a child to be more stressed because their parent is anxious, angry or upset. The dentist will be more stressed, too!” Please let it be the dentist who gives directions. “Sometimes I ask parents to be silent observers,” Dr. Mohanta says. “Or I explain that their role is to be supportive and soothing while I give the directions.” Please don’t be offended if you’re asked to leave. “It’s up to the dentist to determine who can be in the operatory and we might think it’s best for your child to complete treatment alone,” says Dr. Mohanta.“Parents can decide that they don’t want their child to be treated,which is their right.” Guidelines for Parents in the Operatory Watch Dr. Mohanta’s full conversation on CDA Oasis: bit.ly/3LVZlxK 27 Issue 3 | 2023 | Issues and People
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