Pediatric Dentist or Orthodontist

My daughter's first visit to a dentist ended up being a nightmare because of the dentist himself...I never took her back to him and I try to steer anyone I can away from him...it's Meckler Pediatric Dentistry. Her Dad and I were not allowed to stay with her during the exam (she was only 16 months old), she was terrified to be around strangers and cried terribly the whole time...her Dad had to keep me from bursting through the doors to rescue her. There's nothing they could tell me that made me understand why that kind of treatment was necessary. Then to top it all off, their dental treatment consisted of restraining her...AT 16 MONTHS OLD! They wanted to tie her to something called a papoose board and put her under completely just to do dental work! I left and never went back.

We found another dentist, Stanley Hess (8400 Osuna Road Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87111 ###-###-####), who turned out to be an absolute dream. He honestly cares about the kids he treats and works really hard to help them feel at ease with the work he has to do. We explained to him what had happened on her first visit and he took the time to actually become her friend before he worked on her. She's been going to him for 9 years now and she ends every visit with a big hug. She's never had to be restrained, Dr. Hess doesn't believe in that type of stuff and she only had to have mild sedation on the first two or three visits (possibly due to her first experience). Dr. Hess would discuss it with her everytime and he let her decide when she was comfortable enough to proceed without the sedation. She ended it herself after the second or third visit. I wouldn't recommend anyone else BUT him. He's not only a wonderful dentist but he's a wonderful person.

My son is 15 months old and I was gonna take him to the Dentist also. My pediatrician said that unless I have a concern than its not nessesary to take them until He turns 3. I dont thinkn my son would let them look in is mouth anyways.

Good to see the Rainbow dentist is open now, I was going to call and see what insurance they take, my 5 year old is past due for his check up!

As far as your little girl, I have always been told, even by our previous ped dentist that the rule is 10 on top and 10 on bottom and 3 years before their first visit unless there is an issue, which you could have your pediatrician look into first. I can't imagine getting a 14 month old to cooperate and open when asked! My twins are now ready to go, they'll be 3 in March and I am not sure how that will go with one of them, the other will do fine but my stinker boy probably won't cooperate!

With my oldest,we have used Brett Green who is near Candelaria and Eubank, or some place over there. Tehy are good with the kids, get you in and out quickly which you need with the kids. The office is old, kind of felt dirty (carpet etc) but it is and old office building. The front desk staff wasn't overly friendly but the hygenists are wonderful with the kids. It is an open floor plan, the backs of the exam rooms oopen to a bigger space so the kids don't feel too closed in or secluded, they can hear other kids and leave with a prize.

M.

I would recommend Dr. Butner as an orthodontist...Hands down.
I would recommend that you visit the doctors office before the actual appt. most doctors will have no problem with that. I would also recommend going to a pediatric dentist that will give you the option of going into the operatory with the child. There are a lot of places that don't let the parents observe. I would also recommend that you DO NOT see Dr. Belfon. I hope this helps.

I've only taken my kids to one pediatric dentist. Dr. Rachelle Shaw is off of Jefferson and Montgomery. She was really good with the younger kids. Her office has games and things for the older kids. They enjoyed going there.

The Rainbow Dental office off Golf Course, (Right next to Carl Jr.s) is where I took my daughter, and they were very great with her.