About 13.2% of children between the ages of 5 and 19 have untreated dental caries. Only 85.9% have visited a dentist in the past year. You might want to schedule an appointment with your Nicholasville pediatric dentist.
Annual appointments will ensure you catch small oral health issues before they develop into major problems.
Here are seven questions you should ask before choosing a Nicholasville children’s dentist. Asking these questions will help you narrow down your options. You can find the best kid’s dentist with your child’s oral health in mind.
Start your search for the best dentist for kids with these tips today.
1. What Are Your Credentials?
Before choosing a Nicholasville pediatric dentist, it’s important to review each professional’s credentials. You’ll have peace of mind knowing a qualified kid’s dentist is treating your child.
You can start your search for a pediatric dentist by speaking with other parents in the area. Ask if they can recommend a Nicholasville children’s dentist. Then, ask questions about their experience with the dentist.
For example, you can ask if they’re satisfied with the services their child receives. Ask if the dentist has helped with dental anxiety, too.
Speaking with your inner circle could provide you with insights that aren’t available online.
Otherwise, start your search online. Google “Nicholasville children’s dentist near me” and make a list of options. Then, look into each dentist’s professional history. You can check their website, BBB listing, and HealthGrades.com to get started.
As you review each dentist’s credentials, consider:
- Where they completed their education
- How long ago they completed training
- How they continue their education
- What additional certifications they have
Consider how long they’ve owned their own dental practice, too. Try to find a long-established business. These practices won’t shut down overnight.
Consider how many patients they’re treating at the moment, too. If they’re treating too many patients, you might struggle to schedule appointments. If they’re not treating many, there’s likely a more qualified dentist in the area.
Choose someone with years of hands-on experience. They’ll have the experience and expertise necessary to help your child.
Try to find a kid’s dentist who is up-to-date with new techniques and procedures, too. Consider how they continue their education. Otherwise, there’s a chance they’re using outdated techniques.
Make sure their board certification is up-to-date as well.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have Treating Children?
If you want to find the best dentist for kids in Nicholasville, choose someone who specializes in treating children. Determine how long each pediatric dentist has specialized.
These dentists will have hands-on experience helping children. They’ll have a better understanding of your child’s comfort and oral health needs.
Make sure each kid’s dentist has completed a two-year post-graduate residency specific to pediatrics. Determine what additional courses they completed, too. For example, they might have studied child development and psychology.
These dentists might have an easier time ensuring your child’s comfort.
Check the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. You can make a list of dentists who specialize in child care.
Ask each dentist on your list how they help children who are anxious about visiting the dentist.
About 36% of the population suffers from dental anxiety. Another 12% suffers from dental fear. Choosing a dentist with experience handling dental anxiety could help your child.
Otherwise, your child will fear going to the dentist into adulthood. They might even avoid visiting the dentist. Their oral health could deteriorate as a result.
3. What Services Do You Offer?
Take the time to review the different services each Nicholasville pediatric dentist offers.
Remember, over 13% of children have untreated dental caries. Ask the dentist if they offer preventative care. How will they help your child avoid developing cavities in the future?
Your children will likely need routine cleanings. Ask the dentist about the other services your child might need.
Ask if they offer cutting-edge technologies and dental services, too. You might want to find a dentist that offers orthodontics. You can ensure your child’s teeth are straight, improving their oral health.
4. Can You Provide References and Reviews?
Try to find a dentist other parents in Nicholasville know and trust. Ask each dentist on your list for references and reviews.
You can also find patient reviews on their BBB and Google My Business listings. Check their website and HealthGrades.com as well.
Look for a dentist who already has a strong reputation. These dentists will strive to maintain and improve their reputations over time.
5. What’s the Environment Like?
Before choosing a kid’s dentist, consider scheduling a consultation appointment at their offices. Look around the practice. Is it ideal for children?
Consider finding a practice that’s designed with children in mind. A kid-friendly environment could help put your child at ease.
Consider the staff, too. Are they friendly and inviting? Their kind demeanor could help put your child’s anxiety at ease as well.
Determine where each practice is located, too. Try to find a practice near your home or child’s school.
6. Do You Take My Insurance?
Make sure each dental practice on your list accepts your insurance. If they don’t, ask about the payment plans they offer. Choose a dentist that suits your budget.
7. How Often Should We Visit?
During the consultation appointment, talk to the dentist about your child’s oral health needs. Determine if your child has any specific needs or problems. Then, ask the dentist how often you’ll need to schedule appointments.
Usually, your child will only need appointments every six months. If they have a specific problem, the dentist might want to see them more often.
Take the time to review any specific treatments your child might need in the future, too. Then, develop a treatment plan.
With the right Nicholasville children’s dentist, you can prioritize your child’s oral health for years to come.
Brush Up: 7 Questions to Ask Your Nicholasville Pediatric Dentist
Don’t rush to choose the first Nicholasville pediatric dentist you find online. Instead, ask these seven questions. Then, review your notes.
Choose the kid’s dentist that’s most qualified to help your child.
Ready to schedule your child’s next appointment? We can’t wait to see you.
Contact us today to get started.