No children in the dentists policy

[OnTheBrink1]

So my kids (like a lot of kids) haven’t seen the dentist for almost 18 months because their appointment got cancelled during covid and when they were able to see patients again I managed to book an appointment for May- brilliant!
I have 3 children aged 4, 7 and 8.
The thing is though that they are not letting any other children in the whole dentists - waiting room or consultation room. They told me to leave them out on the street (main road) or get childcare.
Kids are scared to go in alone esp after not going for so long so really I want to be with them in the room whilst they sit in the dentists chair. Don’t want them going in without me there.
However I can’t let them stand on the street outside either out of my view.
My DH is working and unfortunately and isn’t able to get that day off (the only day they could give me for another 4 months!)
I have such few childcare options for this!
One set of grandparents have passed away and the other have long term illnesses / disabilities which mean they are unable to look after the children at all.
Don’t really have a friend who can do it- it’s at school pick up time so really awkward.
Has anyone else had this problem with dentists? What did you do?

Our dentists allowed the whole family to come into the (tiny) consultation room and we all took it in turns for our go in the chair. It was pretty crowded but the dentist&assistant were in full ppe with face shields over their masks.

It’s part of the standard operating procedures that we have had forced upon us
Patients are to come alone or with one suitable parent/ carer

It’s crap but it’s the same ( or should be )in every dentist. Both practices I work in have this policy and are strict with it

You could try emailing the practice manager but you may not get anywhere.

It’s crap but it’s current policy

Was the reason they could only give you a slot in 4 months because you wanted all the appointments together?

Could you make three further appointments (separate) and ask your DH to take either a morning or afternoon off those days?

Otherwise leave it the four months - after 21 June the restrictions should be lifted so they should change their operating procedures.

Alternatively there are loads of sixth formers about to finish A level assessments and wanting to earn money - could you find one to come with you and watch the kids while each one goes in? I don't think it would cost you that much. Ask on a local Facebook page.

Some of these new policies places are operating are crazy.
There was a mum and 2 children in my dentist the other day so not all are the same. If my dentist decided to do that I would be calling round over local dentists to find out what their rules are, if they allow all to go together then I would change dentists and tell them exactly why you are changing.

My children have all been seen on the NHS for their usual 6 monthly check ups. We've all gone in as usual (with masks for the eldest) bar that initial few months where everthing was shut.

We've booked separate appointments for all of us this time to make it easier to manage, our clinic is tiny.

It is not the same in all dentists- our dentist allows families to bring in all the children (who are then sir in the chair one by one).

In your position I'd find another dentist rather than making multiple appointments and having to arrange multiple sessions of childcare

There are some batshit things in the name of COVID. You are all one household, what is the possible additional risk if you are inside all together? Especially as the kids all have appointments? What kind of policy would have a parent leave a 4 year old outside alone? Seriously think that these places putting these policies in place need to read them back through and ask themselves whether it makes sense. I would also question whether the governments policy really means that a dentist needs to do this - I suggest it is their own interpretation. Madness.

Yep. I'm having this madness with dentists and specialist nurses my children see.

With dentist I'm told each room has to be cleaned between each patient and no one can enter for certain length of time, doesnt matter if person is related. So I get that with the kids.

Specialist nurse my children see - the cente wont currently allow me to bring all my children in even if they have back to back appointments. So I'm having to book boys in on different days and take time off work or dh takes time off work

That's such an unfriendly, ridiculous policy.

Our dentist let me and my two DC have an appointment together and we all went into the room at the same time so it’s not all dentists that are doing this?

We were told this would be the case with my young DC. I think it’s unreasonable and ridiculous for a quick appointment. I decided to send the DC with DH as I thought they’d be less likely to argue with him than with a woman (it was fine and no one said anything).

My dentist let me take both kids for appointment at same time a couple of weeks ago. It’s private (no nhs round here).
Agreed some covid rules are ridiculous, especially when they seem to take no account of the fact it can be hard to do things if you can’t bring along other kids.

@Flowerlane

Some of these new policies places are operating are crazy. There was a mum and 2 children in my dentist the other day so not all are the same. If my dentist decided to do that I would be calling round over local dentists to find out what their rules are, if they allow all to go together then I would change dentists and tell them exactly why you are changing.

Good luck with that one! NHS dentists are as rare as hen’s teeth these days.

Our dentist was happy to let me take my two children in recently because they were primary age, so there are obviously different interpretations of the rules. As it happens, they were happy to go in alone.
How do you know your children would be scared to go in alone? If you have no other options I would just go and see if your children will go in alone. Presumably they all go to school alone? Promise them a treat afterwards...

Surely the father is trying to sort something out, to accommodate this? It’s not your problem to solely deal with, he’s their equal parent, he chose to create three people, so that comes with lifestyle consequences. ‘Can’t’ get off work? Aww, bet he can though.
One of the riskiest, most unhygenic jobs- putting your face next to someone’s mouth, in a pandemic?!? They can dictate whatever they want. I wouldn’t do that for all the money in the world. Rank.

We went recently (NHS) and had a triple appointment for me and the kids. We just had to wait outside till they were ready for us and we went into the room together.

I get double appointments for my kids - the three of us go into the room together. Sounds like your dentist is using COVID as an excuse.

You have a DH problem not a dentist problem.

Our dentist isn't like this. I work there.

Even if we had a policy like that we'd allow parents in with the kids.

@Definately

You have a DH problem not a dentist problem.

Because he's working and can't get a day off? Have a word with yourself.

If your dh cannot take that day off then you need to ask him to give you a list of later dates he can take off - then contact the dentist and choose a day which suits both. He has annual leave, so he should book this in when it is required

@KihoBebiluPute

Our dentists allowed the whole family to come into the (tiny) consultation room and we all took it in turns for our go in the chair. It was pretty crowded but the dentist&assistant were in full ppe with face shields over their masks.

Same here, last week with 15yo & 18yo. NHS dentist.

Had been cancelled last April (fair enough) and October (my mum - private, and dad - NHS were both seen last autumn by the same practice).

18yo and I both had x-rays and 15yo and the other of us had to stand in the corridor with dentist and nurse while they were done (so twice). At one point another appointment came through past us.

18yo needed a small filling, went to book at reception and the receptionist said in a very shocked voice that they had 3 cancellations for the next day and he could have 10am, 2pm or 2.30pm!

OTOH the kids 6 monthly appointments are into December (from April) as they are already booked up until then.