Tell-Show-Do: How We Make Your Child’s Visit Stress-Free
Dental visits can often be a source of anxiety for children. At Great Lakes Bay Pediatric Dentistry, our Saginaw, MI, pediatric dentist and staff prioritize creating a welcoming environment for our young patients. One effective method we use to achieve this is the “Tell-Show-Do” technique. This behavioral approach gently introduces children to various procedures, providing them with the transparency and understanding they need to feel comfortable.
Here’s how the works, its benefits for children and parents, and why it’s crucial in alleviating .
The “Tell-Show-Do” Method Explained
When kids are young, so much is new to them which can be intimidating. Our job is to meet them on their level and explain to them how things work in terms of dental tools and various treatments. Tell-Show-Do helps ease children into the world of dentistry and equip them with all they need to know.
The three part format of the method is as follows:
- Tell: We start by talking to your child about the procedure using simple, age-appropriate language. This step involves explaining what we will do in a way that is easy for them to understand, without causing fear or anxiety.
- Show: Next, we show the child the tools and materials we will use. This “behind the scenes” process allows children to become familiar with what they will see and experience, helping to eliminate the fear of the unknown.
- Do: Finally, we perform the procedure, following the exact steps we’ve discussed. By this point, the child knows what to expect and is more relaxed and cooperative.
For example, if your child is in our Saginaw pediatric dental office for a teeth cleaning, one of our hygienists will begin by explaining why cleanings are important for the health of your smile and the general process of removing plaque or tartar from teeth. They’ll then transition into physically showing each tool from a scaler (used to gently scrape away plaque) to a suction device (removes saliva, water, and debris). Finally, we’ll get started with the cleaning itself.
Benefits for Children and Parents
The true magic behind the Tell-Show-Do technique unfolds when we witness its impact it has on both children and their parents. The transition from apprehension to acceptance or fear to familiarity is amazing to watch!
We choose to integrate it into our practice because it’s more than just making dental procedures like tooth fillings, steel crowns, or oral health exams bearable; it’s about transforming them into positive experiences that children and parents can look forward to.
Some of the benefits of the Tell-Show-Do method include:
- For Children: It builds trust between our pediatric dentist and your child, reduces fear of the unknown, and empowers your child through understanding and participation. Children learn to view dental visits as positive experiences, fostering a lifelong habit of good oral hygiene.
- For Parents: Parents appreciate the transparency and the care taken to ensure your child’s comfort. Seeing your child respond positively to dental visits relieves anxiety, making the entire experience more pleasant for everyone involved.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today
By embracing the Tell-Show-Do method, our pediatric dentist in Saginaw, MI, helps make each dental visit a stress-free, educational, and even enjoyable experience for children and their parents. Call Great Lakes Bay Pediatric Dentistry today at (989) 792-9201 to request an appointment and learn more about our commitment to gentle, transparent, and child-friendly dentistry.
