The ‘S-Word’ May Be Better Left Unsaid

As a pediatric dentist, I would like to take issue with a point in “Treating Kids’ Fears Before Doctor Visit” (March 23, 1994).

I disagree that the child should be told prior to the visit about the possibility of needing a shot or other painful procedure. I believe it is important to be truthful, but mentioning the word shot is stressful, and this could lead to further questions by the child, such as, “How and why and where will I get the shot?”

The parent, in trying to answer these questions, rarely understands the doctor’s procedures, and this is where the parent’s explanation always falls short of what actually happens. Thus, the parent inadvertently is not being completely truthful with the child.

The parent should not mention the word shot unless asked by the child, and then, if asked, say, “I don’t know if you will be needing a shot. The doctor will discuss it with us beforehand.”

DR. JOHN N. GROPER

Los Angeles