American Dental Association Tested, Kid-Approved
If you’ve said it once to your kid before bedtime, then you’ve probably said it a thousand times: floss, brush, and eat the right foods to protect your teeth! As a parent, teaching your kid proper dental care is of top priority: your kid’s teeth are more prone to cavities and fractures than an adult’s, which means that you have to bring them in for appointments at least twice a year. Convincing your kid to visit the “scary” dentist is already difficult enough when their teeth are in good health, but if they’ve experienced tooth pain before they’ve even had a dental care appointment, the task might even seem impossible. Imagine being young, in pain, and then adding the layer of the unknown dental office on top of all of that. Read on for some tips on selecting the right pediatric dentist for you and your child.
While pediatric dentists perform the same procedures as a general dentist, they’ve specialized in understanding the needs of their young patients and should have the certifications to match. A pediatric dentist is also well-versed in techniques that include conscious and deep sedations that can be applied to non-neurotypical children. Any pediatric dentist you consider should have completed a course in Pediatric Dentistry from an accredited institution.
License to Drill
It should seem like a no-brainer, but don’t hesitate to “drill” your dentist on whether or not they have the correct certifications and licenses to practice dentistry in your state. Aside from that, be sure to ask whether or not they’ve attained the training needed to work well with your kid.
Kid-Friendly Communication
Kids of all ages come in all sorts of developmental packages: whether due to age or outside factors (like non-neurotypical development), children can require specialized training when it comes to communication and social skills. Find a dentist who has strong behavior management skills. Your child might need reassurance, and a pediatric dentist who’s willing to meet your kid on their level and greet them warmly and openly will go a long way over one who seems disinterested in your child’s comfort. Pediatric dentists train to communicate dynamically, through clear facial expressions and vocal tones, addressing your child’s fears.
Are We There Yet?
Travel time might not be at the forefront of your mind when selecting your dentist, but consider the distance your child will have to travel after a procedure, and pick the best pediatric with an office nearer to you. Longer trips to the fearful unknown” can physically prolong your kid’s anxiety, which can lead to temper tantrums.
The Root of it All
The pediatric dentist of your choice needs to be well-trained in basic and advanced procedures alike. They must be able to perform the basic prophylaxis and other routine dental care for your child, and also have plenty of experience performing complex procedures, like root canals or sedations.
Thank You For Seeing a Friend
Don’t forget to ask your family members and friends for recommendations: they know you and your child well, and they can be the best resource in finding the pediatric dentist that will be the right fit for you. Feel free to contact us for a consultation today. No one will care about what’s happening in your kid’s mouth more than you will—but we promise to come close, and create a warm and inviting environment for your child.
