How to Feel Comfortable Asking Questions at Your Child’s Dental Appointment
Taking your child to the dentist is an opportunity to support their health and confidence. Asking questions helps you stay informed, strengthens your child’s trust in their dentist, and shows your commitment to your child’s oral health. Dentists appreciate engaged parents and want to provide the best care possible, but they can’t answer questions they don’t hear! By asking questions at your child’s appointment, you get important information, and your child gets to feel confident that you and their dentist care for them. Knowing how to best approach questions can feel tough at times. Here are some tips and example questions to help you get the answers you want from your child’s dentist.
Know that it’s okay to ask questions.
Even if you aren’t used to talking to dentists, they’re used to talking to patients. They want to hear your questions and concerns and put you at ease. By answering your questions, dentists have an opportunity to gain your trust and your confidence. At times, your dentist may explain something in a way that you don’t understand. It’s OK to ask clarifying questions to help you and your child feel comfortable about an upcoming appointment. You deserve to walk out of every visit feeling confident about the treatment plan. Your child’s dentist wants you and your family to feel good. Talking things through a little more can help make sure you and your child’s dentist are on the same page.
You might try saying, “Thanks for your patience. I realize I may be asking a lot of questions, but I don’t think I fully understand the treatment. Can you explain the plan again, please?”
You deserve to have the information you want and need!
Let the dentist know you were listening.
If you’re still confused or want more information, one way you can show that you were paying attention, but have more questions is by saying, “Thank you for all the information you’ve given us so far. I am not sure if you already mentioned this, but I was wondering… (then ask your question).”
This lets the dentist know you were paying attention but still need further explanation.
Framing your question can reduce confusion.
Your child’s dentist wants you and your child to feel respected, and they want to feel respected too.  Asking questions that show you want to clarify something, not that you disagree, puts the dentist in the best position to answer your questions.
You can say, “We really appreciate your care. I want to make sure I understand everything we discussed today. I’d like to ask you another question (or a few more questions) to make sure I got it all… (then ask your question or questions).”
Be honest about your need for more information.
If you’re not sure about something the dentist suggests, try asking, “I’m curious about this plan for my child’s dental needs. Can you tell me more about why you’re recommending this treatment? Are there any other options?”
You can say, “You’ve been helpful in explaining a lot to us today. I would just like a little more information about… (ask your question).”
If you still don’t feel certain, you can always say “I’d like to have a little time to think about the treatment before we commit. Thanks for the information to help us make our decision.”
When parents and kids are comfortable with dental treatment, it helps the process go smoothly for families, and dentists feel good about the treatment they’re giving. Everyone can work together to make sure your child gets the best dental care possible!
Dr. Daniela Owen is a clinical psychologist, children’s book author, and co-host of The Parenting Puzzle podcast. She serves as the Assistant Director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy and is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Sciences Program at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Owen specializes in helping children and parents build confidence and navigate their emotions using evidence-based strategies. Through her work, she empowers families to handle challenges, celebrate successes, and live more fulfilling lives.