Not a matter for the Tooth Fairy

Here's a question for you parents (and non-parents) out there in the blogosphere. Would you take your children to a dentist who doesn't allow parents to go back with the kids?

We've lived in Austin since our children were born, but just recently moved north of Dallas. Our pediatric dentist in Austin was fabulous, I was really, really sad to leave them. So, I'm slightly biased after such great care. I went back to the cleanings with my children, sat through their exams, everything was fine.

Well, in our new town, with our new pediatric dentist, I was told to wait in the waiting room until the cleaning and xrays were done, then they would call me back to meet with the dentist. They told me to "enjoy your break."

Now, I'm all for enjoying a break from the kids, but this struck me as odd. I mean, it's nice to be given the option of staying in the waiting room or going back...but I wasn't given an option. I was TOLD to STAY.

Children are minors, right? YES. Shouldn't their parents be with them when they're seeing other adults? I mean, I'm not looking for pedophiles around every corner, I'm sure they were fine getting their teeth cleaned, but I just feel like this is odd...or am I overreacting? I need your imput, please!!

My older son went back with my younger son, so that was nice. And, the younger one ended up crying because the xray thing hurt his mouth...and apparently the dental hygenist told him there was to be NO crying and it wasn't allowed. Did she say this sweetly? I don't really know. But, my 11 year old was the one who shared this, and it didn't happen to him...he heard it happening to his 6 yr old brother. He said the woman was mean about it...

So, what would you do? I liked the dentist when I met with him. The kids seemed fine after the visit. Would you say something to the dentist or the office staff, that you want to go back with your kids? Or would you find a new dentist? Or would you just keep going back without saying anything?

This isn't a matter for the tooth fairy yet...but I could see consulting her in the near future for her opinion...