When the Crow family walked in at a dental clinic in Georgia to get their five-year-old's tooth pulled, they did not expect to see her restrained.
James Crow was sitting in the waiting room with his mother Evelyn at Smiles-R-Us in Carrollton, since they were not allowed to stay with James's five-year-old daughter Elizabeth during the procedure. The two suddenly heard Elizabeth screaming and went to see her; they found her strapped to a papoose board, unattended.
"I couldn't see my kid in the body bag just strapped down .. to bed I couldn't handle it," said James. Evelyn added that it hurts her seeing Elizabeth tied down.
Smiles-R-Us in Carrollton is run by Jamey Chung who permits the use of a papoose board when children become uncooperative.
According to reports, Felicia Evans, office manager at Smiles-R-Us mentioned a guideline where, when a child start kicking and moving a lot and crying, they take the child's parents to the back and let them know what is happening.
There are no laws in Georgia that prohibit the use of the devices. Smiles-R-Us also explained that the papoose board is only used when parents sign consent forms. When asked about this, the Crows seemed unaware of such forms.
Opinions of experts vary when it comes to the use of restraint devices.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says the use of devices like the papoose board may cause physical and psychological consequences. On the other hand, American Dentistry Association spokeswoman Dr. Mary Hayes defends the use of papoose boards, indicating that these are meant to keep child patients at the dental clinic safe.
"When it's often used, it's trying to prevent movement which is going to interfere with a treatment," she added. Stabilization in children, for instance the emergency room, is used quite a bit. Hayes therefore stressed the importance of parents' consent, to ensure there is communication and trust between the family and the dentist.
In the event when parents are hesitant to allow the use of such restraint devices, experts suggest tips and ways to keep parents' children calm when visiting the dentist. For one, it is important to note that a pediatric dentist works differently from a general dentist - not in the procedures, but in understanding child behavior. As early as the age of one, parents should start taking their children at a regular basis, to get used to it, and to further eliminate fear. When children are being examined on the dental chair, parents should stay with them and make efforts to stimulate a positive atmosphere, so that children do not get nervous or upset.
As for the use of restraint devices in Smiles-R-Us, the Crows believe it is best if there is a law that makes it illegal.
No further statements have been heard from the family. Evans also confirmed not having received any legal complaints so far.
