The importance of the context in which messages are delivered cannot be overstated. The dental office may be made “child friendly” by the use of themes in its decoration, ageappropriate toys and games in the reception room or treatment areas, and smaller scale furniture. The operatory, however, may contain
distractions (eg, another child crying) that, for the patient, produce anxiety and interfere with communication. Dentists and other members of the dental team may find it advantageous to provide certain information (eg, post-operative instructions, preventive counseling) away from the operatory
and its many distractions.27