We have children with special needs. Usually, Kids+Dentist=very loud screaming and flailing limbs (if they don't wear hockey masks and protective cups, the dentist should not come within striking range!). The first time we went to Dr. Quackenbush (yes, that is really his name) at Timber Falls Pediatric Dentistry, I was a basket case. My daughter was clinging to me, absolutely terrified (funny how one bad experience can do that to a child!). They got all three kids in at the same time, in the same room (they have a large room with three chairs for just such occasions) and three hygienists. They were gentle, kind and very patient. The dentist was an absolute gem. He got my daughter to sit in the chair and open her mouth so that he could count her teeth. That was all that he was able to do, but it was still pretty phenomenal that he was able to get that much done with her! He also reassured me that, despite a previous dentist from hell's assessment that my daughter (who was three at the time - THREE!) would most definitely need braces, she very well may not need braces. He explained how her teeth were moving and that when she got her adult teeth, they would likely move into the correct place. Wow!
The next time we went, he was able to get Xrays of the kids' teeth! That was a first! And all three had full cleanings! I was ready to bow down to this man and his amazing staff of angels. We have another appointment tomorrow (which I scheduled because my just turned 5 year old son ASKED to go to the dentist!) and my anxiety is not nearly what it used to be. And neither is my kids'.