Toddler's first dentist, HSE or private?

maddelliott

New to Ireland, 2-year-old new to the dentist, trying to work out what our options are for his first check up in Galway City (Salthill) and already feeling guilty that we've left it this long...Am I right that we can pay privately to see a paediatric dentist or an HSE dental clinic will see him for free? Can't find much info on what the clinic is like, whether we need an appointment or is there a wait, etc. The private fee is a bit of a stretch but I'm wondering if it's worth it to give him a positive first experience (though if he needs any actual treatment we'd be screwed!). Thanks for any advice!

davo10

maddelliott wrote: »

New to Ireland, 2-year-old new to the dentist, trying to work out what our options are for his first check up in Galway City (Salthill) and already feeling guilty that we've left it this long...Am I right that we can pay privately to see a paediatric dentist or an HSE dental clinic will see him for free? Can't find much info on what the clinic is like, whether we need an appointment or is there a wait, etc. The private fee is a bit of a stretch but I'm wondering if it's worth it to give him a positive first experience (though if he needs any actual treatment we'd be screwed!). Thanks for any advice!

HSE provide free dental care through their school. You can contact your local clinic and request an appointment but unless your child is in pain you will be placed on a waiting list or advised to wait until your daughter/son starts school. You can of course book an appointment with a private dentist at your discretion but you will be charged the standard fee at that clinic.

Dianthus

Maybe just introduce your 2 year old to dentistry gradually? It can be a bit overwhelming for them to cooperate with a first checkup at that age- the sounds, smells, sight of masks, gloves, moving chair, strange faces, ect; it's a lot to take in. Whereas if you schedule a checkup just for yourself, & let your child watch what is involved, he will pick up his cues from you. Keep smiling, emphasise how much fun it is , & after a visit or two watching you/other relatives, he'll want to experience the same.

Focus on counting teeth, shiny strong teeth& the tooth fairy- all positive connotations. *Reassuring* phrases such as "see, there's nothing to be scared of", "don't worry, there are no injections", "it's ok, I'll hold your hand", & "the dentist won't need to use the drill" are to be avoided if possible

Well done on being so proactive with your sons' dental health!

uck51js9zml2yt

We got both ours checked for the first time around 2 by our own dentist.
There was no drama and they just sat back and opened wide.

maddelliott

Thanks all...perhaps the trick is to find ourselves a dentist first then. Some great looking paediatric dentists I've seen online but quoting around €100 for an initial consult, yikes. So when I saw HSE website saying it provides dental for children under 6 I was hoping that was an alternative, but don't want to wait till its an emergency! Will find a regular dentist and take him along...don't worry, reassuring phrases about drills I keep for my husband...

uck51js9zml2yt

maddelliott wrote: »

Thanks all...perhaps the trick is to find ourselves a dentist first then. Some great looking paediatric dentists I've seen online but quoting around €100 for an initial consult, yikes. So when I saw HSE website saying it provides dental for children under 6 I was hoping that was an alternative, but don't want to wait till its an emergency! Will find a regular dentist and take him along...don't worry, reassuring phrases about drills I keep for my husband...

An exam cost us 25€ for each of the kids.