After getting a route canal this past year, I’m more likely to CRY about going to the dentist (and PAYING for it). Not so with my kids. I remember taking my oldest to see Dr. Catherine Enright at Buckhead Pediatric Dentistry and he actually cried – when we LEFT! And for a week he asked to go back – to the dentist! I imagine he would explain his love for going to the dentist this way …
1. TOYS. Mommy, the dentist has trucks! My brother had the blue one and I had the red one and when Ms. G. called my name I wanted to keep playing with it. And then you said I was going to get in trouble if I didn’t put it down but Ms. G. said I could bring it with me. I was sooo happy – and you were happy too mommy.
2. STAFF. When I touched Dr. E.’s nose it went “HONK!” But when you touched Dr. E’s nose nothing happened because only kids can make the magic nose work. Mommy you are not a kid are you? Noooo. But Dr. E. said I’m a big boy and gave me a high-five.
3. STAR WARS & SINGING. Dr. E. let me touch the sticky wand before she counted all of my teeth. She gave all of my teeth Star Wars names. And then she and Ms. G. sang a song when she brushed my teeth and put the muscles in my mouth (fluoride). “Tickle tickle little teeth, how I wonder what you eat.” I showed her my muscles and she said I would have muscles in my mouth too so my teeth would be strong.
4. TREATS. When we were finished, Ms. G. gave me a bag of treats. I have a CARS toothbrush and some toothpaste and even a little ball.
5. FUN!! Mommy I like going to the dentist because I can play with the trucks and read books and even pretend to be a dentist – just like Dr. E. I also like talking to the birds and counting the pacis in the paci museum. 
That’s how I think my son would describe it 
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I think I enjoyed it as much as the kids. Plus, the office is like a big play area with lively artwork, a magnetic car table, Christmas ornaments, magazines, movies, you name it! The staff totally understands what it means to be a parent (I’m listening – even if I have to take after my 2y.o. as he darts down the hall). Dr. E. completely explains any issues until you have a thorough understanding. She’s qualified and credentialed– over 20 years of experience as a dentist – and a parent. And her staff loves my boys!
We had a great visit to the dentist this week so I had to post it on my blog! If you live in Atlanta and need a pediatric dentist, check out Dr. Catherine Enright at Buckhead Pediatric Dentistry . If you don’t, I’m hoping you find someone and somewhere just as good. Now, if I could just convince her to see adults…
(I was not paid or reimbursed to write this post.)
I have friends in Atlanta. Consider this shared
And thanks for dropping your link in the Green Room! Share it with your bunch.
Red.
Oh yes! I will! Thanks for having me and for sharing!
I wish the Pediatric Dentists were the way they are now back then because I know I had a HORRIBLE experience as a child. Seriously, I hated going to the dentist. It was not at all pleasant. I work part-time for a dental office (the last 14-years now) and I know that they have changed the entire school for Pedodontists & their hygenists. They have to make it a much more better environment for a child, otherwise, they’ll end up paying for it w/ root canals and implants when they’re old.
My husband, a big 35-year old kid, has anxiety over the dentist. He also had a horrible experience as a child. He also hates doctors that criticize you (i.e. You don’t floss, you need to brush 3x a day). I know they’re doing their job, but I can see how it can be annoying. Especially to a hygenist/dentist that has to clean that dirty mouth of yours. LOL
On the other side of this, there are a lot of patients that come in saying, “Why do I have to floss? Nobody sees it anyway!”… “Well, nobody sees your ass either but do you wipe it after you drop a deuce?”
Your kiddos are cute. I’m going to have to show this to Lili when she has to start going to the dentist! ;o)
RAS – you are hilarious! good points! I have another really funny blog to share (I’ll have to post it here) from another blogger who is a former dentist – your comments reminded me of her post. Thanks for the comments! I understand your hubby though – I hate that lecture!
No wonder your son loves going to the dentist. This are all great ways for them to look forward to their next trip with the dentist. My son just had a check-up 2 days ago. He enjoyed the whole event as well. He got a gift toothbrush and cookies afterwards. Merry Christmas.
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Love this! Not only having a wonderful experience now, but creating great adult patients down the road
Glad to hear it’s going well for all of you, er, except for the root canal part!
hahaha – yes… not going so well for me
. but I am hoping they will be better patients than I am 
This is great information about what kids like in dentists. Thanks!