You might be surprised to learn that nearly 3.5 billion people suffer from oral health diseases. This is a common scenario in children since they often have lackluster dental hygiene habits. The good news is that many issues are entirely preventable by making a regular trip to a dental clinic. Not everyone knows how to find the best dentist for kids, though.
Let’s explore the key information you should consider.
Ask Other Parents
One of the best ways to find a pediatric dentist is by asking other parents. This is especially true if they have children who are older than yours.
Chances are that they have already found a reliable professional that they plan on continuing to visit in the future. Be sure to ask about the location of the office.
You might not want to visit somewhere that is far away or located in a rough area. You should also inquire about how their child’s first visit went.
Was the dentist able to alleviate any anxiety their child may have had? Did they help them understand why they were at the office? The more information you can garner, the better.
Keep this in mind when moving forward.
Visit the Office
No matter what you learn from other parents, it’s crucial to visit the office yourself. This is the only way you can gain insight into key details. For instance, pay attention to how the staff interacts with you when you walk in.
You should also consider how they communicate with other patients. Does the office seem accommodating for children?
Some offices go out of their way to make kids feel comfortable. They often incorporate brighter colors, stuffed animals, etc. to make children feel at ease.
Although there’s nothing wrong with offices that don’t do this, your child may be more anxious in locations like these. The more comfortable your child feels, the smoother their visit will go. This is especially true during the first dental visit they have.
Read Reviews
Check the clinic’s past reputation before making your decision. You should only choose locations that have overwhelmingly positive feedback.
It’s also in your best interest to consider how the clinic responds to negative feedback. If they attempt to deflect blame or become aggressive with past customers, continue your search elsewhere. There’s a good chance that you will have a similar experience.
Pay attention to certain attributes of client testimonials, such as how friendly the dentist was. You should also look for reviewers that claim their child had a positive experience at the facility. The more research you do, the easier it will be for you to make your decision.
Check Their Credentials
Under no circumstances should you work with a dentist without the proper credentials. Unfortunately, there are many professionals out there who went to non accredited dental schools. There are also others who neglect their continuing education responsibilities.
If they don’t prioritize learning new techniques and information, they might use practices from decades ago. Not only could these be more painful than contemporary methods, but they are also less effective. Ask your prospective dentist for proof that they are board-certified.
They should have no trouble handling this request. If they aren’t able to do so, you should cease contact with them and search for a different professional instead. Otherwise, you could be putting your child’s health at risk.
How Experienced Are They?
As you might assume, it’s in your best interest to work with a dentist who has years of experience. In most cases, more experience will equate to better care.
It’s worth noting that inexperienced dentists aren’t always incapable of providing outstanding results. However, they will be less likely to do so compared to someone who is more established.
Experienced dentists will have a strong understanding of how to treat children. They will have likely dealt with thousands of different children throughout their careers, giving them plenty of knowledge of how to make them as comfortable as possible. This is an attribute you simply can’t overlook.
Consider Multiple Options
You should never go with the first dentist you encounter. Consider multiple options so that you can choose the best one. Certain factors will differ between clinics, such as pricing, friendliness, experience, etc.
Proximity to your child’s school is also something to consider, as many parents choose to schedule dentist visits before or after school. In general, it’s best to consider four or five different dentists before making your decision.
Do They Prioritize Prevention?
It’s essential to choose a dentist that focuses on prevention. As previously mentioned, children don’t always have ideal oral hygiene. This puts them at greater risk of developing oral health issues.
A quality dentist will work with you to help maintain your child’s health between visits. They’ll educate you on best practices and how to recognize signs that something is wrong.
Does the dentist use fluoride treatments? These can help minimize the chance of tooth decay and keep your child’s teeth strong.
You should also look for a dentist that uses dental sealant. This protects the enamel of your child’s teeth and can go a long way toward preserving oral health.
Find the Best Dentist for Kids
Consider the above information when searching for the best dentist for kids. It will help ensure you get started on the right track and make the most of the opportunities in your area.
Reach out to us today at Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry. Our professional staff has all the tools and resources to help ensure your child receives the best care.