Every parent or child caregiver can agree that making trips to the dentist is an important part of their overall health and well-being. But with the number of pediatric dentists continually rising, it’s hard to know how to pick the best one for your family.
Having a good experience at the dentist as a kid is crucial for lifelong good oral health, so the decision can feel overwhelming and important.
There are a few things you can look for to find the best pediatric dentist who gives your kids the most complete care and makes them excited to follow proper oral hygiene practices. We’ve compiled a list of our top seven tips to follow when you’re on your search.
1. Fun, Welcoming Environment
Besides education and skill level, the most important factor for a good dentist for kids is that they create an environment that kids feel comfortable in.
Going to the dentist is unpleasant in a lot of ways, even a lot of adults feel uncomfortable and anxious about going in for check-ups. The environment of the office can make a huge difference in how an appointment will go, for better or for worse. The dentist should do what they can to make it feel like a safe and happy place so kids feel the same.
It’s helpful to make a visit to the office ahead of your appointment to see how things are run and get a feeling for the office. Reading reviews from previous patients can also be very beneficial in gathering this information as well.
2. Accommodating, Helpful Personality
Not only do you want your kids’ dentist to make them feel confident, but you also want them to make you feel the same way. It can be very nerve-wracking to hear there is something wrong with your child’s teeth, so you need that calming personality.
You should always feel like you can ask any questions you have regarding your child’s oral health. The dentist should give you helpful advice and options for moving forward. It’s sometimes helpful to speak with the dentist ahead of scheduling to get a feel for how well your personalities will or won’t go together.
A dental office that is flexible and accommodating, especially during uncertain times, can make a huge difference in your satisfaction level.
3. Wide Range of Services
Going through the process of how to choose a pediatric dentist can be time-consuming and even sometimes frustrating. So once you’ve found the right fit, you’ll likely want to stick with them for as long as possible.
For this very reason, you’ll want to find a kid-friendly dentist that offers the widest range of services possible.
Before scheduling, ask the office if they offer any specialty dentistry options like orthodontics, whitening, wisdom teeth removal, or sedation dentistry. Even if you don’t need these types of services at the moment, you may in the future and it’s nice to know you won’t have to search for that services as well.
Some offices also have partners that they refer for these kinds of specialty treatments, which is beneficial in having a professional, honest recommendation to go off of.
4. Easily Accessible
Studies have shown that most parents are waiting too long to take their child to the dentist for the first time. It’s a task that many put off because it doesn’t seem necessary since there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong. A trip to the dentist sounds like more of a hassle than anything else.
One of the best ways to combat that is by making it as convenient as possible to get to the dentist. And that’s why you want to make sure your kids’ dentist is easily accessible.
This means you physically can get to their office quickly and efficiently. But also that scheduling appointments is simple as well. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to wait months to get in for a check-up
5. Similar Approach for Care
As a parent, it’s pretty safe to say that you want what’s best for your child. And that definitely includes how their oral health is handled. Dentistry isn’t a black and white science, there are different methods and approaches you can take depending on preferences.
It’s important to know what kind of approach your kids’ dentist takes in regards to patient care to see if it aligns with your desires.
Maybe one dentist is more aggressive and prefers to treat issues right away. Another might decide to wait and try a less invasive process to see if the problem resolves itself. Both have their pros and cons and will likely lead to the same result in the end. But you should choose a dentist that will approach your child’s care the way you would.
6. Insurance Acceptance
Another key factor to consider when choosing a dentist’s office for your kids is if they accept your insurance coverage or not. This can make a significant difference in your ability to feel comfortable with the services offered.
Not every dental office accepts every kind of insurance or even every plan for a certain provider. It’s necessary to make sure that your dental office accepts your specific plan. The office manager will be able to walk you through what is and isn’t covered and likely costs for a variety of treatments.
Having a clear understanding of what you’ll be responsible for financially will make the whole experience more positive.
Finding the Best Pediatric Dentist for Your Kids
When you have the right fit for a pediatric dentist on your team you can rest easy knowing that your child’s teeth are in good hands. You can feel confident that they’ll be able to take care of any problem that arises quickly and efficiently.
Taking care of your teeth is an important part of your overall health and wellness, so taking a few extra steps to find the right dentist is the right move.
If you’re looking for the best pediatric dentist in Frankfort, contact us today to set up an appointment.
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