There was never anything like this kinda place when I was growing up, and I'm glad there's something now.
There's a few Dentists in town that accommodate young ones nowadays. But I looked at Big Sky's website and decided to give it a go. It was easy to find, not far from the hospital hill and in an easily accessible location. Ample parking. We walked in and were greeted by nice friendly and smiling staff--you have to be nice, you work with children. Anyway, so theres of course an excellent play area with lots of fun toys to keep the wee ones happy while waiting for their turn. Paperwork was easy and fast.
We got taken back to the chairs and they are an awesome bright lime green! Pictures are encouraged. And if you need to do anything to help your kid you can do it--hold their hand, sit in the chair and hold them, whatever you need to do. My boy is 2 years old and so it wasn't too early to bring him but just right. I would expect that some kids do better than others, but mine seem to handle it fine. They have a TV above their heads to let them watch, with headphones, letting them pick whatever show they'd like. Each one is given cool sunglasses to protect their eyes from the bright light and toy to choose at the end. In actuality, all the distraction was a little too overwhelming to my kid and he preferred to watch the TV while still being able to hear everything going on. It was also easier for him to follow instructions, like open your mouth, stick out your tongue, spit, etc.
Each tool was explained completely before being used on him, which is the best course of action. He was allowed to pick out his own toothbrush and then asked to demonstrate how he brushes his teeth at home. In reality, a lot of the visit was for me--to know how to better brush his teeth and what kind of toothpaste to use and all of that.
They counted his teeth and allowed my wee one to participate which he enjoyed.
The doctor came in and assessed his teeth, gave us more pointers and basically said "come back in 6 months" soon, he'll be getting X-rays.
My little guy had some stories to tell and enjoyed telling everyone how he went to the Dentist.
Which leads me to my next discussion--why are people afraid of the Dentist? There was a, probably 17 year old girl in there checking in who actually wasn't afraid, it was her mom that was freaking out. I don't get it. Don't project your fears of the Dentist or doctors or hospitals or whatever onto your kids! Let them create their own journey if you're the one that's freaked out. And second, why are you so afraid?
Now, I've got good teeth, so maybe I can say that easily, but even my husband with bad teeth doesn't dislike the Dentist. So...lesson is, be chill dude. Don't worry about it. And please go to the Dentist! read more