I have a weird question. My daughter turns 18 in a few weeks. She was totally fine with becoming an adult, going to college, the whole new life idea…until today. Today she had a meltdown. Today she doesn’t want to go to college. She doesn’t want to get a job. You’d never believe what set it off. It was her last check-up with her pediatric dentist. She LOVES her dentist. Ever since she was two years old, she’s gone to the same office. Today, the dentist mentioned it would be her last visit and even had a gift for her. Corina burst into tears and hasn’t been the same since. I know it’s dumb, but I wondered if she really has to switch dentists now when she turns 18?

Deanna S. – New Jersey.

Deanna,

Growing up is hard. Change is hard. Combine the two and it’s super hard. Each pediatric dentist has their own policy when it comes to treating adults. I bet if you called her dentist and explained your daughter’s reaction they’d let her come until she’s ready for the change.

The only time that might become a real issue is if something happens where your daughter needs something like a crown or develops gum disease. While her dentist could treat those conditions and has been trained to do so, strictly pediatric dentists don’t get a lot of practice in those areas. They don’t generally come up with children.

Barring anything like that, I see no reason why she couldn’t continue with her beloved dentist for a little while longer. Of course, like I said earlier, call and explain, because every practice has their own policies on such things.

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