How can we help you?
Dr. Bret and our team have many years of experience in offering professional and friendly pediatric dental care to children of all ages. We know that parents often have many questions regarding their child’s dental care, and our goal is to make sure that your family feels comfortable and informed about any decision that you need to make. We want you to know that we are always available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have about your child’s teeth and mouth.
Please let us know if you have any concerns. There are no silly questions, and we want you to feel comfortable coming to us with even the smallest of worries. We know that welcoming our pediatric dental practice into your family is a big decision, and we want you to feel secure in knowing that you have chosen the right pediatric dentist for your child.
Behavior Guidance
There may be many reasons you're looking for a special needs dentist in Decatur, IL, and fear or anxiety is no exception. Dr. Jerger and our dental team love children, and we make it our goal to help every child feel safe and welcome when they visit our pediatric dental office.
Our team uses a tell, show, do approach when we are helping children acclimate to our dental office. This means we tell and explain what we are going to do, and we show them the instruments we need to accomplish the procedure. Then we do the procedure; however, we never move forward with any treatment until your son or daughter feels completely comfortable.
There are also a lot of things you can do at home to help your little one feel comfortable and excited about visiting their Decatur, IL dentist. Talk positively about the dentist, even if you feel anxiety about your own dental visits. Read stories or color pictures about the dentist and talk about what your son or daughter will be doing during their appointment to prepare them.
Contact Our Decatur, IL Dental Office
If you're looking for an excellent "kids dentist near me," look no further than Jerger Pediatric Dentistry. Our practice has been taking great care of children in our community for over 50 years!
With behavioral guidance, our specially-trained team members at Jerger Pediatric Dentistry can help make your child’s dental appointment go more smoothly.
Our behavioral guidance techniques include:
Telling, Showing, and Doing
We never take your child by surprise with this approach, which could harm their trust in us. Instead, we tell your child what we’re about to do, show them the instrument we will use, and complete the procedure when they’re ready for us to do so.
Caring and Friendly Atmosphere
Our team members chose to work in pediatric dentistry because they enjoy working with children. We provide kind and gentle care in our Decatur dental office with friendly smiles and eager attitudes.
Kid-Friendly Communication
Dental terms can be confusing, even for adults. So when we talk to children in our Decatur dental practice, our team uses kid-friendly language to connect with our young patients, so they can understand why and what we’re doing.
We also offer fun, positive reinforcement for children in our office to encourage the best oral health at home. Read more about our Smile of the Month Club and our Candy Buy Back program during the Halloween season on our Behavior Guidance page.
Discover Behavior Guidance in Decatur, IL
As a children’s dentist in Decatur, IL, Dr. Bret Jerger offers exceptional dental care to young patients in a friendly, stress-free environment. We love meeting new patients, and we look forward to providing your little ones with excellent dental services so they can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile as they grow.
Behavior guidance in Decatur, IL, is central to pediatric dentistry because it helps children feel safe, informed, and relaxed during treatment. This builds trust, leading to positive dental experiences and strong long-term oral health habits.
Building Trust From the Start
Children are more likely to develop fear or anxiety around dental appointments when they’re surprised or caught off guard during procedures and exams. By clearly explaining each step before it begins and never rushing a child who isn't ready, behavior guidance establishes trust between a child and their dental team from the very beginning.
Laying a Foundation for Lifelong Habits
A child's early experiences often shape their feelings about dental care into adulthood. Positive, low-stress visits during childhood make it far more likely that they’ll stay consistent with care as they grow older.
Making Treatment Possible Without Added Stress
Beyond ensuring emotional comfort, behavior guidance also makes actual treatment more manageable. A calm, cooperative child enables the dental team to safely and efficiently deliver the necessary care.
Supporting Parents, Too
Behavior guidance isn't only about what happens in the chair. At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Bret Jerger and our team offer guidance to parents on speaking positively to kids about dental visits at home. This subtle step helps reinforce a child’s confidence before they ever step into the office.
Caring, Comfortable Pediatric Dentistry in Decatur, IL
If you're looking for a pediatric dental practice in Decatur that anticipates your child's needs and prioritizes their comfort at every turn, contact Dr. Bret Jerger and the caring team at Jerger Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment.