How to Find the Best Kid’s Dentist

A good kids’ dentist will put your child at ease and make the process as stress-free as possible. Also, a pediatric dentist is trained to work with children, especially those who have special needs. If you have a younger child who is scared of the dental office, then it might be good to go for a kids dentist instead of general dentistry.

What are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a kids’ dentist?

Dental practice location

The first thing that you should consider is the location of the dental practice. You want to make sure that it is located in an area that is convenient for you and your family. For example, if you have young children, going to a dental practice far away from your home might not be ideal because it might take longer for your child to get there.

Availability of emergency room hours or after-hour appointments

You also need to think about whether or not the dental practice has emergency room hours or after-hour appointments available. This can be very helpful if something happens and your child needs immediate care. If they do not have emergency room hours or after-hour appointments, they may not be equipped to handle emergencies if something happens.

Level of experience

The level of experience is a key factor when choosing a dentist. This is because they will be handling one of your most precious assets, your kids. Therefore, you need to select one with the right expertise in dealing with kids’ dental issues.

You can find out the dentist’s experience by looking at the number of years they have been offering their dental services. This is because a dentist with more years has handled many cases, and hence they are likely to offer high-quality services than one who has a few years in the field. Also, you can ask for references from previous clients who can testify whether they were satisfied with the quality of services they received.

Offer customized services

If you choose a kids’ dentist, be sure to find one that has a special interest in dental health. Many dentists offer children’s x-rays, fluoride treatments, and other services tailored to their needs, but not all children’s dentists are equipped to provide such specialized care. Ask your child’s dentist whether they are trained and certified in these specialized services and what other services are offered.

Reputation

It’s crucial that your child sees a licensed dentist who has experience working with children. If other parents in your area have had positive experiences with a particular dentist, likely, you will too. You can also check online reviews from parents just like you for another perspective on local dental practices. Consider asking friends or family members in your area which dentists they see for their children and why they like them.

 Comfort

Children feel most comfortable when they’re around people who make them feel safe, including the staff at their dentist’s office. It’s important that office staff are friendly, welcoming, and patient with children of all ages and personalities. If an office staff member seems impatient or annoyed with a child, it could make your child anxious about visiting the dentist in the future. Choose a kids’ dentist where the staff makes both you and your child feel comfortable and at ease.

Cost

Take cost into account when choosing the right dentist for your children. The cost of dental care can vary greatly, depending on the dentist and the type of care required.

The cost of some dental services, such as preventive care, is usually covered by insurance plans, while other services may require payment at the time they are performed. If a dentist is not in your plan network, you will likely have to pay more out-of-pocket than you would if you saw a dentist in the network.

The type of dental insurance you have and the level of coverage can also play a role in determining how much you pay for different treatments. For example, if you have PPO coverage and choose an out-of-network dentist, you may have to pay more for covered services than if an in-network dentist provided the same services.

If your child needs extensive dental work or if you need orthodontic treatment or cosmetic dentistry for them, it is especially important to shop around for a provider that offers budget-friendly options.

Availability of modern resources

When choosing a kids’ dentist, you should always ensure that they have the right resources to treat your child. This will ensure that your kid gets the right attention and care. Some of the resources that you should look out for include:

Modern equipment

Your child’s dentist should have access to modern dental equipment. This will ensure that the treatment is effective and fast. The equipment that they should have include:

• Methodology
• Dental x-rays
• Tools for cleaning teeth (such as flossing tools, fluoridation products, and toothbrush)
• Furniture such as dental chairs

Question to Ask Your Kids’ Dentist

Here are a few things to ask when choosing a dentist for your child:

Ask how much time they spend with children

Do they only see children as patients on certain days, or is every day “kid day” at their office? Find out how many of their patients are children and what kinds of specialized training they have that helps them work with kids.

Ask about sedation options

If your child has a high level of anxiety or a low pain threshold, ask about sedation options. Sedation is an option for children who are especially fearful of dentists, have a hard time sitting still in the dental chair, or need multiple procedures at once. This is according to Dr. Joseph Castellano, clinical associate professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and founder and CEO of Smile Doctors Dental Group in New York City. There exist diverse sedation types, including IV sedation, oral medication, and nitrous oxide.

Ask about other family members’ experiences with the dentist

Parents should feel comfortable asking how many kids the dentist has treated before and whether they have any experience with kids with special needs, such as autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, or ADHD. Essentially, several factors can influence your kids’ experience during visits to the dentist. Besides, some children are more responsive than others, and some won’t cooperate with the treatment.