Have you put any thought to how you will work effective with angry, upset or sad pediatric patients? How will you successfully manage these situations?

Question

Christine Pasqueretta · Accepted Answer

"My love of children and my experience in working closely with them since high school is really the reason that I am pursuing advanced training in pediatrics and a future practice in pediatric dentistry. While I am confident that my calm demeanor and fun-loving attitude with kids will help them to acclimate quickly to my presence, I'm not immune to the fact that I will face scared and downright angry patients from time to time. I would avoid using sedation at all costs and work with my care team to help provide the best distraction possible. During dental school, I rotated in a pediatric practice that had TV monitors in the ceiling and allowed the kids to pick out a show from a wide array of options. This was a welcome distraction that kept kids attention focused on something other than the procedure they were undergoing. I think this is a great method for handling the kids that are angry and scared."

Christine Pasqueretta · Answer

During your pediatric dentistry residency, you will for the first time be the direct oral caregiver for pediatric patients and that patient population will be 100% of your focus. The interviewers want to know that you can professionally handle the inevitable situations with angry or upset patients or family members.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

As you answer this question, you ideally want to highlight your ability to remain patient and rational in the face of conflict. Focus on the positive action you can take to provide a great resolution for kids that are struggling during their visit. Some techniques to keep in mind are playing games to make a cleaning or procedure fun or utilizing a TV show or movie to keep them occupied during your work with them. You also want to assure your interviewer that sedating a child should be the ultimate last measure in any situation that doesn't normally call for it.

Anonymous User · Answer

"I will try to relate with these patients and understand what is making them upset. By taking the time to understand these patients, "getting on their level", I feel I will be able to improve their experience. Possibly changing a sad dental experience into a happy one."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I am very aware of the difficult situations that I will encounter. Going to the dentist can be stressful for adults and that level of stress is multiplied while dealing with kids. For me, I will do my best to provide a friendly, stress-free environment to children by having a play area in the waiting room with cartoon drawings all over the place. Consider having a TV on the ceiling so the children can watch a movie while being treated. A Trophy closet full of gifts, Toys, and stickers for each child after the treatment session ends as a motivation."

Have you put any thought to how you will work effective with angry, upset or sad pediatric patients? How will you successfully manage these situations?

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4. Have you put any thought to how you will work effective with angry, upset or sad pediatric patients? How will you successfully manage these situations?

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