Athens Area Pediatric Dentistry Hosts ‘Smile Strong’ Workshop for Parents of Anxious Young Patients

Dental fear continues to be a top reason why children avoid or delay necessary dental treatment, leading to preventable oral health issues. To address this issue, Dr. John Hansford DMD, from Athens Area Pediatric Dentistry, has introduced the ‘Smile Strong’ Workshop. This program aims to assist parents in supporting their anxious children during dental visits.

Children’s apprehension about dental procedures can arise from various factors, such as unfamiliar surroundings or past medical traumas. Dental anxiety can be particularly challenging for children with developmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), often causing them to avoid essential care.

The ‘Smile Strong’ Workshop equips parents with practical strategies to prepare and assist their children before, during, and after dental appointments. It includes identifying signs of dental anxiety, teaching coping techniques, role-playing dental visits, and establishing predictable routines.

Dr. Hansford believes that empowering parents with these tools can enhance children’s dental experiences significantly. The interactive workshop format offers demonstrations, group activities, and guidance from the clinical team to help parents manage sensory sensitivities, build trust, and choose suitable communication methods.

Research shows that involving parents in preparation and coping strategies can reduce children’s anxiety and improve health outcomes. Dr. Hansford emphasizes the importance of parental engagement in creating a positive dental experience for children.

The ‘Smile Strong’ Workshop aligns with Athens Area Pediatric Dentistry’s commitment to providing inclusive and compassionate pediatric dental care. By offering education and resources, the practice aims to break the cycle of fear and avoidance leading to oral health complications.

In response to the positive feedback, Athens Area Pediatric Dentistry plans to expand the ‘Smile Strong’ program to cater to children with special needs, collaborate with schools and community centers, and offer webinars for families who cannot attend in person. Dr. Hansford hopes this initiative will encourage other pediatric practices to innovate and better serve families facing dental anxiety.

Dr. Hansford’s vision is to ensure that every child has a dental home where they feel safe, supported, and empowered for a lifetime of improved dental health.