Choosing a pediatric dentist is as important as locating the right pediatrician. Caring for your child’s oral health is part of their overall wellbeing.
A dentist is more than the person who checks teeth for cavities and tooth decay. Their role is also to care for the gums and to check for signs of infectious diseases. The mouth can have hidden problems if caught early can undergo treatment and corrective measures.
Aside from the dentist responsibilities you want someone that will relate to your child. Dentistry can be a terrifying experience for young children. Having a kid-friendly dentist is crucial.
Continue reading for five things to consider when choosing pediatric dentistry for children.
1. How to Locate a Pediatric Dentist in Your Area
When it’s time to look into pediatric dentistry for children a good place to start is with their pediatrician. This is probably your best source for a referral.
If you need additional options, look to your insurance provider for references. Another source is a registry for dentists in your area.
2. Do They Offer Consultations?
Once you narrow down your list to a few possible choices, see if you can have a consultation with each pediatric dentist. Have important questions you want to have answered.
These will include:
How long have you been in practice?
What made you want to work with children?
What techniques do you use to calm down anxious patients?
Do you have experience treating children with special needs?
At what age do you begin treating patients?
3. What Services Does the Dentist Offer?
Not all dentists are the same. There are child dental specialists offering services beyond general dentistry.
A pediatric dentist can provide therapeutic services to address tongue ties and teething. They can also have training in detecting serious diseases. Certain oral conditions can lead to a diagnosis of diabetes, heart defects, and asthma.
4. How Many Years of Experience?
There is nothing wrong with giving a new dental pediatrician a chance. Choosing someone with limited experience is okay if they are in a practice with seasoned dentists.
It is common for some pediatric dentists to have practiced general dentistry prior to moving into this specialized field. In pediatric dentistry, you do not want to chance a new dentist with limited experience in private practice.
5. Is their Office Children Friendly?
Going to the dentist can raise a child’s stress level. Their time spent waiting for the dentist can make or break the appointment. A pediatric dentist office should be child-friendly.
Visit the office before your child’s appointment. Look for toys and games. Some offices may even have trains running on a track around the office. Others have an indoor play area with a bounce house.
Offering free Wi-Fi for parents is a plus.
Choosing Your Child’s Dentist
These five tips are designed to help you find a pediatric dentist. We hope you find them useful. At the same time that parents are searching, a dentist should be working on their brand to get noticed.
Click here if you are a dentist looking for ways to market your practice.