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How To Choose A Dentist That Offers Pediatric Care
Find the best dentist for kids and family at Complete Dental Works! Offering comprehensive care and a welcoming atmosphere. Make an appointment today!
You'll probably remember your child's first tooth. You'll recall the rosy cheeks, the tears, and the interrupted sleep.
However, your child's first visit to the dentist will be the memory that sticks with them. That memory will shape their feelings towards dentists, so it's essential to get it right.
You have an opportunity to make dental treatment a safe, friendly place that children embrace. Before you pick a dentist for kids, read our guide on how to make the right choice.
Understanding Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry focuses solely on children's dental health, from infants attending their first dental checkup to adolescents.
It's a specialist branch of dentistry. Therefore, dentists should be expected to have additional training. Specialist training helps dentists understand the unique nature and challenges of children's dental health.
Pediatric dental teams offer a range of services and treatments to prevent and manage dental issues like cavities.
Pediatric dentists also understand the importance of patient care. They will offer children a friendly environment. That way, future dentist appointments are viewed positively and not with fear.
Checking Qualifications
Your first step before choosing a pediatric dentist is to check that they have the relevant qualifications. Experience and education count, and ensure you have a trusted and expert dentist for your child.
Most importantly, they will need a proper dental license and must have completed a pediatric dentistry residency. Other qualifications to check include board certification.
Look for accreditation from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. It's also worth checking any professional memberships. One of the most popular is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
A Family-Friendly Dental Office
A pleasant office environment can put children at ease when they arrive at the dentist. It's worth including this in your criteria when shortlisting pediatric dentists.
Offices should be bright and open with child-sized furniture and a play area for children with toys and books.
You may also find that the dentist has tools, chairs, and equipment in the consultation room suitable for small children. These extras help the young patient feel comfortable during an examination.
Some will also offer multimedia as a distraction for children during checkups.
Look for Comprehensive Dental Services
You want a dentist that offers your child a full suite of services. That ensures they have dental support tailored to their needs through childhood without having to switch to a different office. Services to check include:
- Routine checkups
- Professional cleaning
- Fluoride treatment
- Cavity-preventing sealants
- Orthodontic services, including braces and space maintainers
You may also want to look at additional services depending on your child's needs. For example, sedation services can be helpful for those who suffer from dental anxiety.
Patient Comfort and Care
Children can sometimes feel anxious and overwhelmed at the thought of seeing a dentist. They require a caring and considerate approach to avoid putting them off future appointments.
Go with a dentist who has a track record of a child-friendly approach. A practice might use a show technique where a dentist shows a child what they will do before any procedure occurs.
They will also be skilled at communicating gently and reassuringly. Some will use proven distraction techniques. That could include TV screens, music, or virtual reality headsets to help anxious children.
Parental Input
Parental involvement is central to a calm and positive dental experience for children. Look for a dental practice that offers a collaborative approach. You want one that encourages parents to sit alongside their children during treatment.
All children are different, and they may not need this assurance. Nevertheless, it's essential to have it available if your child becomes more anxious during an appointment.
Open communication between dental teams and parents is also crucial. Dentists can advise parents on preventative techniques to try at home
That will include brushing tips and toothpaste recommendations. Some even offer workshops and other informational sessions to support parents.
Emergency Support
A toothache is hard for adults to handle, even more so for children. You need a dental team that's flexible enough to handle any emergency. That might be unexplained tooth pain or a chipped tooth after a school sports game.
Check the dentist's schedule to see if they offer flexible booking options. That should include emergency appointments, after-school hours, and same-day appointments.
Flexibility in scheduling times, especially in emergencies, means you can fit dental visits around your other day-to-day demands. Thus, you don't have to compromise when you have an urgent dental issue.
Read Through Reviews and Testimonials
Always check what other families say about a dentist. That will give you excellent insight into whether the dental team will meet your expectations.
Read online reviews and look at testimonials on their website. Read beyond star ratings and check out the detailed comments, as they provide better insight.
Look for aspects like trustworthiness and quality of care. Check feedback on the environment and their approach and mannerisms with children.
Also, look at specific factors like their approach to managing dental anxiety. You'll also want evidence of their effectiveness and choice of dental treatments available to children.
Insurance Options for Family Dental Care
Always check insurance coverage and payment options before finalizing your choice of a pediatric dentist. They will need to accept your current insurance plan so that you can avoid the expense of paying out of pocket.
You should also check the small print to see what treatments your insurance plan covers. Some may have exclusions.
If you need a treatment that is not covered, ask the dental team about the types of payment plans they have in place.
All this will help you manage your budget, gain some transparency, and avoid facing unexpected expenses.
Finding the Best Dentist for Kids
Children have unique dental needs. It's not just about the tiny milk teeth a dentist will examine but about creating a safe environment that kids welcome. When finding the best dentist for kids, keep this in mind.
At Complete Dental Works, we are a family-friendly practice that understands the crucial importance of getting pediatric dental care right.
Book your first appointment with our trusted team today to learn how we care for our young patients.
