Sticky candies, sugary foods and drinks, and other junk foods are most likely at the top of your children’s favorite-foods list. We know how much our children love these kinds of goodies, but foods, snacks, and candies high in sugar can cause damage to teeth and gums. Even if your little one isn’t an avid sugar consumer, it’s still important to see a kids dentist on a regular basis.
Routine visits with your Nicholasville pediatric dentist will help prevent cavities and other oral health issues while correcting any current issues that might be present. How do you choose the best dentist for kids in Nicholasville? There are a few factors to consider and things to avoid when searching for the right dentist for your family.
Continue reading below for a list of mistakes you want to avoid while on your search for a Nicholasville childrens dentist!
Choosing Blindly
As you begin your search for a good dentist for your children, remember to do your research. Don’t simply choose the first dentist that comes up on your search results. Instead, further your research and make an educated decision.
Some things you want to research about the dentist are as follows:
- their license
- their educational background
- reviews, references, and referrals
- website professionalism
You can contact each dentist directly to ask for proof of their license and more information about where they received their education from. You can find online reviews from current and past patients to learn more about the dentist as well. Ask the dentist to provide you with a list of references to call and speak with friends and family for referrals.
Take your time browsing through each dentist’s website to find out as much information about each one as possible and to ensure the dentist’s office is professional.
Failing to Ask About Provided Services
It’s important to note that not all dentists will offer the same type of dental services. It’s ideal to have a good understanding of what type of dental services your child needs and what type of dental services each dentist can provide. For example, will the dentist you choose offer emergency services.
Finding an emergency pediatric dentist is ideal because children can experience dental trauma at any given moment. What’s important is that the dentist you choose will be able to see them for an emergency visit. It’s also important that the dentist you choose is able to provide you with all the dental services your child might require, so always learn about their provided services before choosing.
Not Discussing Payment Plans
Another mistake some parents might make when choosing a dentist for their child is not knowing what their insurance covers. What dental procedures are covered under the insurance? How much will you be responsible for?
Does the dentist accept your insurance? Learn the answers to these questions first, and then discuss any possible payment plans the dentist offers. If something isn’t covered under your insurance, then payment plans are a great way to afford treatment without having to pay it all at once out of pocket.
Choosing Convenience Over Other Factors
The dentist’s office location and hours aren’t something to overlook when selecting the right dentist for your child. However, you don’t want to make a decision solely on convenience either. It’s nice to have an office close to work, home, or school.
You can easily pick up your child and get to the appointment on time. However, if finding a good dentist means driving a few more minutes out of the way, then it’s worth the extra time invested. Always pay close attention to a dentist’s professionalism, licensing, reviews, services offered, and payment plans before considering the convenience of the location.
Not Scheduling an Office Tour
Once you find a pediatric dentist you’re considering for your child, don’t forget to schedule an office tour. You can learn a lot about a dentist by touring the office. Take a virtual tour online to see if the office environment is up to your standards.
Is it kid-friendly? Contact the office and ask to schedule an in-person tour if available. Don’t forget to bring your child along with you.
It’s essential to observe how the office staff and dentist interact with your child. It’s not uncommon for children to feel uncomfortable or frightened during their first visit or so. Does the staff seem to do their best to help make your child feel safe, welcomed, and comfortable?
These are all important qualities to look for, as well as office cleanliness.
Looking at General Dentists
Another mistake you want to avoid when selecting a good dentist for your child is looking at general dentists. You want to choose a dentist with training and experience providing dental services to children. This is what separates a general dentist from a pediatric dentist.
A pediatric dentist goes through dental school and then extra training for how to provide dental services to children. This type of training and experience is necessary to ensure your child feels safe and comfortable during each visit.
You Can Find a Kids Dentist Today
With the help of this guide, you can find the best kids dentist for your child today. Remember to take your time when researching pediatric dentists in Nicholasville. Take into consideration all of the factors listed above and then narrow down the list to your top several picks or so.
Then, contact Rebecca T. Wheeler D.M.D. Pediatric Dentistry. Healthy smiles start right here in the care of Dr. Wheeler, who’s been providing pediatric dentistry in the Nicholasville area for over 20 years.
Connect with us today to learn more and schedule your child’s first appointment.