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Friendly communication with children in dentistry is particularly important because it creates trust and comfort in children regarding going to the dentist. This article examines the importance of establishing a friendly relationship with children in dentistry, its effect on their experiences of visiting the dentist, and effective strategies for establishing this relationship. The importance of optimizing the relationship between the dentist and children in preventing their fear and anxiety and encouraging them to visit the office regularly is considered an essential factor for maintaining the health of the mouth and teeth.
Establishing a friendly relationship with children is considered one of the most important factors in influencing children’s experiences of going to the dentist and diagnosing and treating their dental problems. The fear of going to the dentist may cause negative expectations and even measure the office in them. Therefore, creating positive and friendly relationships can significantly help reduce this anxiety.
These relationships can create a sense of security and peace in children and protect them in the face of scary situations when visiting the dentist. Establishing these connections creates a spirit of cooperation in children, through which the necessary measures can be easily taken to diagnose and treat their dental problems.
Some of the effective factors in establishing a friendly relationship with children in pediatric dentistry are:
Dentist’s communication skills: Dentists with good communication skills can understand children better and come closer to developing a friendly relationship.
Using simple language: Using simple and non-specialist language in communication with children can give them more confidence and reduce worries.
Encouraging and praising: Encouraging children to cooperate and praising them for their participation in going to the dentist improves self-confidence and trust in the dentist.
To create a friendly relationship with children in dentistry, the following strategies can be used:
Communicate from the beginning of the session: The dentist can establish a positive relationship by welcoming the child in a friendly manner and expressing interest in meeting the child from the beginning.
Use of toys and weapon toys: Using toys and weapon toys in the dental setting can entertain children and reduce their fear. These toys can be used as tools to familiarize the child with dental tools and the environment.
Planning before the meeting: sending a text message or a phone call from the dentist before the meeting can reassure the child and prepare him for the visit. Also, at this stage, you can explain to the child that this session is to take care of the teeth and maintain their health.
Listening to the child’s words: the dentist must listen to the child’s voice and pay attention to his opinions and concerns. Allow her to talk about her fears and worries and respond confidently.
Positive thinking: Motivating children by offering small honors after the dental session can create a sense of satisfaction and autonomy and encourage them to continue visiting the dentist regularly.
Training parents: training parents on building friendly relationships with children and encouraging them to visit the dentist regularly plays a very important role in reducing children’s anxiety. Parents can encourage the child to visit the office by more precisely defining the dental experience and providing positive information about it.
Use of technology: The use of advanced medical and educational technologies can attract children to visit the dentist. Television screens or interactive tools can be a frightening environment for children, providing information engagingly and easily.
Maintaining children’s capacity: It is important for children to feel that they are in control and that dentists spend enough time examining and treating them. Respecting children’s feelings and paying attention to their fears and concerns can increase their trust in the dentist.
Encouraging Children’s Dentistry: Using dental materials and products with attractive flavors and packaging for children can motivate them and make dental care an enjoyable experience.
Encouraging regular visits: Encouraging the child to visit the dentist regularly will make him aware of the importance of maintaining oral health and this habit will become a permanent part of his life.
Promotion of dental education in schools: Dental education in schools and the largest communities can be continuously provided to parents and children in school education programs. These trainings can improve awareness of the importance of maintaining oral and dental health, the process of going to the dentist, and creating friendly relationships with the dentist.
Using related stories: using stories and books about dentistry and friendly communication with the dentist can introduce children to these concepts and give them a better understanding of this process.
Creating a friendly and pleasant environment: designing the dentist’s office in such a way that the environment is friendly, bright, and pleasant can reduce the fear of children. Using bright colors, attractive decorations, and toys can entertain children and encourage them to visit the dentist regularly.
Holding events and competitions: holding events and competitions related to dentistry can become a dynamic and attractive environment. These events can include drawing contests, allegorical games, question and answer contests, etc., which encourage people to visit the dentist.
Use of modern medical equipment and imaging devices: The use of modern medical equipment and imaging devices can turn children into a fascinating technological experience. Showing pictures of teeth and treatment processes to children can show them that dentists with advanced technology care about their oral health.
Creating a relaxing environment: A relaxing environment with pleasant lights, soft music, and natural colors can calm children and give them a sense of confidence when facing a visit to the dentist in Kingston.