A mom from Minnesota went viral for sharing on social media that her four children were banned from accompanying her to future dental appointments after they were disruptive during her recent visit, according to an article recently published on Today.
Taylor Nitti, 32, shared in a TikTok video that she received the letter from her dental practice after her kids -- ages 7, 5, 4, and 3 -- were active, bickering, and noisy during her teeth cleaning appointment. The practice team requested that she find childcare for her future appointments or only bring her children when another “responsible adult can accompany them,” according to the story.
Dentists gave DrBicuspid their takes on this situation.
Dr. Marcus Brian Ward.
Dr. Marcus Brian Ward, the owner and practicing dentist at Eastern Pines Dental in Greenville, NC, said, “On one hand, I commend the mother for her commitment to dental care. It sets a good example for her kids. On the other hand, there are other things to consider when you bring children to an appointment," Ward said.
"First, the noise can distract the dentist or dental hygienist. They need to concentrate while performing hand movements with sharp instruments inside a patient’s mouth. They also need to focus when recording and charting findings, taking and reviewing x-rays, determining insurance eligibility, and notating or scheduling an appointment. Second, dental offices are often-feared places for many people. Added noise can compound some patients’ stress,” Ward said.
Dr. Nayson Niaraki, co-founder and clinical director at Smilebar in Boston, said, “This is definitely a tricky situation. Having a ‘blanket ban’ on unaccompanied children in the waiting room is always an option, but it’s not a compassionate, access-oriented approach," he said.
"A better way would’ve been to have a conversation directly with the patient, explore what challenges she’s facing, set mutually acceptable rules (children must stay in the chair with you, schedule when there is someone else to help bring the children, etc.), and then if breaches happen repeatedly, not allowing the children to come would be justified. If children are noisy, disruptive, running around -- this creates risk for accidents, infection control breaches, and distraction for staff/patients,” Niaraki said.
Niaraki added that practices can integrate strategies, like offering weekend appointments and providing child-friendly spaces with toys and televisions with child-friendly shows and headphones, to help patients struggling with childcare issues.
Dr. Jonelle Anamelechi.
Dr. Jonelle Anamelechi, a pediatric dentist in the Washington, DC area, said, “I never question the situation, and our team usually has discussed the game plan, which is to allow a private room where everyone can be together in one family space. The TV is on the ceiling, so we bring blankets and pillows for the floor, extra toys, coloring pages, and even snacks!"
"It is usually a high-energy time, but that’s what pediatric dentistry is for. I’ve been rocking babies while the hygienist is going over oral hygiene instructions, one kid on my knee while checking the other. I am just glad oral health is on the family list,” she said.
Dr. Abdul Dalghous, a principal dentist at Yorkshire Dental Suite in the U.K., said, “As an oral surgeon, my priority is always the safety and comfort of every patient while also ensuring our staff can provide the best care possible. We understand that arranging childcare can be difficult, and parents sometimes do need to bring their children along. At the same time, dental offices are not designed as playgrounds, and young children in treatment or waiting areas can inadvertently create disruptions that affect care and other patients,” he said.
Dr. Abdul Dalghous.
Dalghous continued, “Clear communication and planning from parents, such as letting the office know ahead of time if children will be present, preparing kids for what to expect, and booking at lower-traffic times where possible, can also help reduce stress for everyone and create a more welcoming, supportive environment. Ultimately, the goal is balance. Supporting families while maintaining a calm, safe environment for all. With understanding on both sides, dental clinics can remain welcoming and accessible without compromising care,” he said.
Dr. Sandip Sachar of Sachar Dental in New York City said, “We have patients bring in their little ones all the time. Yes, it can get noisy and disruptive. I usually ask one of my team members to go out there and watch or engage the kids or play with them. We ask the parents for permission prior and parents are usually grateful and relieved. We have not had any issues.”
Dr. Sandip Sachar.
In this particular case, Sachar said, “It might have been better to speak with mom in person while she was there rather than sending a written letter later on. Verbal engagement allows us to control the tone and delivery of the message -- almost like a friendly conversation that can end with smiles rather than an official written letter, which may come across as a command or ultimatum," Sachar said.
"Clearly, the letter written in this case was very polite and professional, yet still it left the mom feeling ashamed and opting not to return out of embarrassment," Sachar said. "She fully understood the request but was embarrassed to return. I am not sure if this practice lost just the one patient or all five, but as a practice owner, I can tell you even one is too many!”
