The Dentist.
Big day for Simon today at the dentist.
This was his second time being there while Chris and I alternated getting our teeth cleaned. We were there about 6 months ago and at that time he was really uncomfortable with the noises and the idea of even sitting in the chair.
Our plan was to just try it again.
The experience today was great. We did a little pre-trip planning: last night we talked about what was going to happen today (repeated again this morning a couple of times) - we were all going to go to the dentist together and we were all going to take turns sitting in the chair and having our teeth cleaned.
I picked him up from school (summer session just started on Tuesday), stopped at the pool for a quick swim, and then drove over to the dentist where Chris had already started getting his teeth cleaned. We walked in and said hi to Daddy, played a bit with the toys in the waiting room, walked back and forth a few times to see what was happening with Daddy, looked in Daddy's mouth, peeked at the dentist from behind the partitions, and talked about how it was going to be Simon's turn in the chair next. First Daddy, then Simon, then Mom.
He was giggly - which was a good sign.
The hero of the day turned out to be the hygienist, Nancy. She was a superstar. She spoke slowly and quietly - and moved fairly quickly from one thing to the next to keep his attention and not let him get sidetracked or panicky. She started out with him just standing next to the chair as she introduced him to her tools (calling them cute names and telling him that they were all friends and they all sat together along the side of the tray). Then she asked him if he was ready to sit in the chair and he was. She put on the "necklace" (he loved that) and showed him the "flashlight" (the big light above the chair) that she needed to use to see in his dark mouth.
One of the most important things she did was give him things to hold in his hands: a mirror so he could see what was happening (a sense of control) and the small vacuum or the cleaning paste (choices). She showed him how the vacuum worked by sucking up a bunch of water from a small cup and then having him help her spray water into the cup and suck it down again. Having a job for him and showing him how each thing was going to work seemed to make all the difference. She also gave him choices. She did not rush him or try to speed through anything and she was so super calm. She was able to place the vacuum in his mouth, as well as the water, and was even able to clean some of his teeth with the spinning brush.
One of my favorite moments was just seeing him sitting in the chair
like such a big kid and looking back up and over at me and Chris with a
very large grin. So cool.
She was really conscious of not wanting him to have a negative experience. She knew when to stop and when to keep going just a bit more. Chris and I pretty much just stood there in awe...and then we just felt so proud of him and thankful for her.
Another highlight was choosing his toothbrush (Elmo), paste , and some floss. Oh yea, and an orange bouncy ball.
The rumor from the front desk as we headed out of the office was that this particular hygienist has ten children. A complete pro.
And for Chris and me, an overall sense of relief that it was a good experience for Simon. The difference between our last visit and this one was night and day. Tonight we will be celebrating how cool and ok it is to go to the dentist, how brave Simon was (big kid), and how lucky we were to have Nancy as our hygienist.
that is so rad. i have a huge smile on my face. i could have used a nancy today myself at the dentist as i was quite scared. i lost my courage and cancelled and then called back after jeff pumped me up. so GO simon AND tara today! :)
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WOW! Can I just say that your hygienist is a GEM! I've worked for dentists and have yet to find one like her! So glad she made the experience a good one for Simon. She's a KEEPER!
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When you find someone who is that wonderful with kids, it makes your whole day. I recently found a kiddie hair salon that specializes in kids with sensory issues and autism. I wish I had found them 4 years ago when my son's sensory issues were overwhelming. Those wonderful, wonderful people who know how to work with kids with sensory issues are true heroes.
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Hooray for people like Nancy! They make all the difference. Way to be Simon!
Sue
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that is so wonderful that he had such a positive experience... so important for them to do this young..
My ryan , on the other hand.. well, we are still trying everyday but it just breaks my heart every time we go.. and we have a good dentist/hygeniest... specializes in kids and those with special needs but ryan is just miserable with the whole experience..
so happy for you guys to have positive experience!
Yeah for nancy... they save our lives!
kim
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very cool. i love when people kick ass at their jobs. clearly she likes what she does & i'm so glad for simon. positive dentist experiences are important at all ages so this is huge for u guys! my son, sebastian, is 5 & has had a root canal & a cavity filled & still goes to the dentist willingly 'cuz our dental office rocks! i think it was harder on me than on him, which i know u understand all too well. congrats. maryjo (from no cal)
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OMG it makes ALL the difference! My DD (who is nearly *gulp* 17) had her first experience at a paediatric dentist's, in Paris but trained in the US. Wonderful woman! The whole thing was such a "fun" experience, she has never had a problem with dentists. Even though they had to remove two baby teeth to make way for the big ones! Again, I tell you, it makes all the difference :)
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WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!! That's FANTASTIC!!!!!
Mine just survived his first casting, thanks in large part to the hygenist...
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Hi Ali,
I am a 'lurker' who wanted to come out of the closet and say thanks for sharing the experience of taking Simon to the dentist. As a mother of a three year old who 'presents' as having aspergers (and having a five year old sona and a 20 month old son as well) I found it very inspiring. Yes, with good compassionate help, you can get through those situations which you automatically think impossible. I love to read about Simon, it helps me in my parenting. www.begsysbride.typepad.com/
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I'm am copying this and taking it to the dentist with me. My younest is autistic and he really needs to have his first exam soon. I've been thinking and worrying about it the last few weeks. It's time for my other 2 children to have their cleanings so maybe if he watches his big brother he'll go for it...it helped us finally get him to allow his hair to be cut. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
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I don't have autism but OH MY GAWD IF ONLYYYYYYYY my mom had been able to find a place to do this for me!!! Maybe i would actually not hate going ot the dentist so much and avid it as much as possible.
And the gynie!!!
Darnit.
ROCK ON NANCY.
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What a blessing that you had this awesome hygienist! She made such a difference in Simon's teeth-cleaning and how he'll look at dentists in the future - even if she isn't there!
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Nice experience Simon, you're really a man now.
Thanks for the post.
-heather-
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Your kid is very lucky to have a cool hygienist. I admire families who give importance to their oral health. Keep it up!
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Wow! I admire your family for practicing proper dental care. Your son is a role model for kids with his attitude towards dental visit. Good to know that there are families who's really concerned about their overall health. Keep it up!
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