To make a long story short, my step daughter was raped, sodomized and sexually abused by her dad (my ex husband now) while we were married. We both are leery of new people and places because of the past events. We moved to a different state, and his new dentist office has a police where parents aren't allowed to bring children to their appointments (not sure I like it, but it's understandable) and they don't allow parents to go in with a child over the age of 3. I talked to my neighbor, and apparently it's standard procedure here. When they called my son's name, I got up to go with him, and they informed me that parents weren't allowed to go in with children over 3. It was the 1st time we had been to the new dentist, and I wasn't told about this prior to the visit so I had a momentary 'freak out' and said "oh no!" I did get to go in with him, but they said I wouldn't be able to be in the room with him if he needed work done. I didn't say anything, but he didn't need work done so all was well. Do you think I was a little over protective? Ever since my step daughter was raped by her dad, I feel like you can never be too careful concerning child predators, escpecially in new places and around new people. Does anyone else's dentist (or doctor's office) have a police like this? What do you think of it? I think they need to be more sensitive to families that are there for their 1st time and may have had things happen like we have in the past.
I dont think your being over protective, I would not let my children go into the dentist alone unless they were comfortable with it. I say unless they were comfortable with it because when my children go to the dentist for cleanings (no work has had to be done yet) my ds10 goes back alone because he doesnt mind and I go back with my dd8 because she wouldnt have it any other way and I go back and forth between the rooms to check on my ds but mostly stay with my dd. I have heard that alot of dentists have this policy but our dentist does not and I would not go to a dentist that did not allow me to go back with them.
Thanks ladies! My boyfriend said he sees where I'm coming from, but he thinks I'm being overprotective. And my neighbor just thought I was silly... that's ok though, I feel like at 6 he still needs to be protected
I can certainly understand your hesitacy, but not every place is going to be unsafe. While you don't want her getting hurt again (of course!), you also need to be careful that you don't make the world an even scarier place than it has to be either.
my children's dentist encourages me to come back with my kids. I always go back with my youngest (he's 4), but my other kids (12 1/2 and 11) go back alone and I will just check in with them.
When my dd had to get a cavity filled (she was 5) I walked back there with her and said I had to go get her prize for being a good girl and I would right back.
I then stood just outside the work area where she could not see me.
My only thought is right now don't worry about the "getting work done" part until you need to, and should that day come request if you can stand outside the room with your child in sight.
I personally would continue searching for another dentist that will allow the parents to go back. Your friend might not know of any, but it doesn't mean they don't exist.
I'm sorry for what happened to your stepdaughter.
If I can't go back, they don't go back. I will not allow my children to go with strangers I see maybe 15 minutes twice a year.
Yes It's starting to become standard policy but if you say o.k. well have a nice day then, "child name" get your coat. They usually let you because It's money out of there pockets, if you leave.
My old neighbor worked for a pediatric dentist, told me don't allow your children to go back alone.
how long did you wait for another?
- Britty1987
on Feb. 13, 2013 at 2:36 PM