Getting the Most Out of Your Child's Medical or Dental Appointments

By Molly Schulte, Child Health and EPSDT Care for Kids Program Coordinator, Visiting Nurse Association

It is a fact of life – children need frequent medical and dental care to stay healthy. Here are 12 suggestions for improving care for your child.

•Value the appointment time. If you cannot keep an appointment, always call to cancel. Remember the office has blocked time for your child that could be used by someone else if no longer needed.

•Be prepared to provide a complete health history for your child, including immunizations and any known allergies. If this is the first time that your child will be seen, the office may ask you to come in early to sign a form granting them permission to obtain past records.

•Be prepared for a discussion about your child’s unique needs. You may want to bring a written list of questions or topics to discuss. If your child has signs or symptoms you need to address, be specific and ask questions when you don’t understand something.

•Always make your doctor or dentist aware of the medications your child is taking, including over-the-counter.

•Call ahead and find out what the appointment will include, if it will be uncomfortable for your child, and if you can prepare your child ahead of time.

•Be honest with your child about what to expect – not telling them won’t make it hurt less. If a certain procedure is scary for your child, tell the office staff.

•Bring a distraction – like a book, favorite toy, or stuffed animal – for your child to pay attention to during the appointment.

•During the medical or dental visit, keep in physical contact with or speak calmly to your child. This can help them to get through the hard parts. It also may help to plan something fun for afterwards.

•Ask your doctor or dentist for information to help you better understand your child’s needs. They may be able to provide useful reading materials or websites if you are interested.

•Follow the instructions given by your child’s doctor or dentist. Ask for written instructions to take with you. Also, if the instructions are not realistic for you or your child, work with the doctor or dentist to find an alternative.

•Always contact your child’s doctor or dentist promptly when problems arise and continue to follow-up until they are resolved.

•Schedule appointments with the same doctor or dentist whenever possible, so you can develop a relationship and they will know your child. It is important to utilize your child’s primary medical or dental provider – use the emergency room only when necessary.

For more information, contact the Visiting Nurse Association at (563) 556-6200.