Patient and Parent Preparation

Preparatory information is one way of helping anxious children and their parents cope with a dental visit and treatment. In some instances, such as when discussing dental sedation and general anaesthesia, preparatory information is also important to help children and their parents make an informed choice and give valid consent. There are different ways of delivering preparatory information including explanatory leaflets, self-help guides, computer packages and enlisting the help of other professionals. The information provided and the method of delivery have to be tailored to the individual patient and parent both in terms of their level of understanding and their coping style.