Your child’s
oral health is extremely important, and the American Dental
Association has stated that children should start seeing a dentist around their
first birthday. However, finding the right pediatric dentist requires more than
just choosing the first one that shows up in your Google search. There are many
factors to consider when choosing the right provider, so use these tips to
explore how to find the right pediatric dentist for your child.
Ask for
recommendations.
The first thing you should do is ask your friends, family members,
and neighbors for pediatric dentist recommendations. Getting names from people
you know and trust will alleviate half the battle, and be sure you’re asking
for recommendations in your specific area and for professionals who deal with
children your age. Gather a list of different individuals you hear about and
then do some due diligence to weed this list down.
Choose a
multi-service facility.
Some dental offices only handle very niche services, and
when it comes to children, you want to ensure you’re choosing a multi-service
facility. This way, as your child grows and needs additional oral health care,
you don’t have to switch providers. According to Hansen Dentistry, “Finding a
dental office whose primary goal is to make dental care more accessible and
enjoyable for patients is important, whether a routine dental plan or an
extensive treatment plan.”
Look at
qualifications.
As a healthcare professional, your dentist’s qualifications
should be readily accessible to you, whether through an internet search or by
contacting their office. When looking for a dentist for your child, be sure to
pay attention to their qualifications. Did they graduate from an accredited and
trusted university? Are they specialized in an area you’re looking for? Knowing
the answers to these questions can help you make the right overall decision for
your child’s dentist.
Explore reviews.
Thanks to the internet, you can find out just about anything
on anybody, including dentists. Do a quick search and see what people are
saying about the dentist you’re considering. Do you notice a variety of
positive dentist
reviews or negative reviews? Do the reviews seem to focus on one
specific thing, such as a bad attitude, an uncleanly space, etc.? Pay attention
to what people are saying and use this information to determine who your child
should see for their oral care needs.
Take a tour.
Most dentist offices are happy to accept new patients, and
as a potential new patient, you should be able to meet the dentist and take a
tour of the facility. Contact the offices of those on your list you’re
considering and ask to meet the dentist or tour the facility. If this isn’t possible,
it could be a red flag that this isn’t the place for you. However, if you visit
the office and like what you see, then that’s a good sign this could be your
child’s dentist. While visiting, be sure to pay attention to things like the
staff’s attitude, the cleanliness, and the overall demeanor.
Let location and
hours help you decide.
Your schedule is already busy, which means you need to find
a dentist that is convenient for you. When looking for a pediatric dentist, be
sure to pay attention to office location as well as office hours. If the office
is only open a few days a week during times when you’re at work, this may not
be the right place for you. However, if you can find a place that’s close to
home and offers hours that work for your schedule, it can help you make a
better overall decision.
Let your child help.
Your child’s comfort level is very important when selecting
a dentist, so let your child help decide where they go. For instance, if your
child is afraid in the waiting area, it will increase their stress level and
the visit with the dentist will not go well. However, if your child enjoys the
waiting area and gets along with the staff or dentist, he or she will be more
comfortable during the exam and visit. Be sure to talk with your child about
the dental experience and ask them questions about how they feel, then use this
information to make your decision.
Finding a dentist for your child should not be extremely
difficult, but it will take some time because it is important. By using these
tips, you can ensure you’ll be taking all the right steps when it comes to
making the best possible choice.
