Rantings about our dentist (You're fired!)

On Tuesday I took Evelyn to the dentist. She needed to have a cavity filled, waaahhhhh. I picked this dentist when I saw their online pictures of their friendly office and waiting area. It is decorated with a Noah's ark theme, and they also use kid-friendly dentist terms like "Mr. Thirsty", and "counting teeth". Last week the kids enjoyed video games and tv in the pre-waiting room, then being called back to the kids playroom (more tv and video games) and then being seen by the hygienist and dentist, even though the entire process took 3 hours for 3 kids.

Back to Evelyn's visit. She was nervous about having a cavity filled. She was also suddenly shy since there were no siblings to help her through the visit. So, I promised her I would go back with her. Oops. They didn't allow me to. They didn't even let me go to the kids' playroom area with her. She screamed. A lot. I should have just pulled her out of there, but I convinced myself it was a little bit like nursery at church, and she would calm down and it would be a growing experience. I was ushered firmly back into the pre-waiting room and I stewed and worried there. Then, 50 MINUTES LATER, they clarified her treatment plan and let me know they were just about to take her back. Why did they have to separate my terrified child from me for 50 minutes?

I kind of understand a policy to not have the parent there for the procedure (although I have held my kids' hands during cavity treatment before). I do not understand having separate waiting areas when both are very kid-(albeit tv)-friendly. I also do not like the idea of giving a child ICE CREAM without my permission after having a cavity filled. More business? Not from me. I'll take my seven kids elsewhere, thank you.

Lesson learned: Trust my instincts. Be a mom.