Cavities/tooth decay is one of the most common diseases of childhood in the country. More than half of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have suffered from at least one cavity. Receiving proper dental hygiene care is essential for preventing cavities and maintaining good oral and overall health for your children.
Before scheduling a dentist appointment for your child, it’s ideal to do some research and find the best dentist for kids in your area. Are you on the search for a Nicholasville pediatric dentist? There are a few factors you should consider before making a final selection.
Finding the best kids’ dentist starts right here with this very guide. Continue reading below to learn more!
1. When Should I Schedule Their First Appointment?
As adults, we know how important it is to see our dentists every six months or more often depending on the condition of our oral health. However, when is it time to bring your little one to the dentist? If you’re unsure if it’s time to bring your child to the dentist, then don’t hesitate to contact the pediatric dentist and ask.
A general rule of thumb is to bring your child to see their pediatric dentist when their first tooth grows in or around their first birthday. If you have any questions or concerns about this timeline, then feel free to speak with your pediatric dentist about it.
2. What Should I Expect From the First Visit?
Scheduling your child’s first dentist appointment can feel a bit overwhelming at times. It’s a new venture that you and your child are taking together. It’s not uncommon to feel curious or nervous about what to expect.
This is something you can speak with your pediatric dentist about. Your dentist will be able to explain to you what the first appointment will entail. Knowing what to expect is a great way to prepare yourself and your child for this appointment.
3. Can I Schedule an Office Tour?
Before you choose a pediatric dentist, it’s ideal to visit the office at least once. Scheduling an office tour is a great way to get a feel for the office environment and determine if it’s the right fit for you and your child. Ask the dentist about scheduling a tour and try to select a time that works well for both you and your child.
You want to bring your child with you to the appointment so your child can get a feel for the office as well. This can help reduce some dental anxiety your child might be having. This is also the perfect time to sit down with the dentist for a consultation.
During the consultation, make sure you ask the dentist any questions you may have about the services they can provide to your child.
4. How Many Years of Pediatric Dentistry Experience Do You Have?
Not all dentists are pediatric dentists. This is an important qualification to have if you plan to bring your child to a specific dentist. The right Nicholasville children’s dentist for you and your child will have the proper training and experience needed to provide young children with dental care.
Pediatric dentists go through extensive training specific to providing dental care to little ones. You can ask the dentist to provide you with proof of this extra training. Ask where they received their training from and if they’re a member of any dental associations as well.
5. What Dental Services Do You Offer?
Do you require a specific type of dental service for your child? If so, you want to ensure the pediatric dentist you choose is able to provide you with those services. For example, does the dentist offer both preventative and restorative dental care?
Are they an emergency pediatric dentist who can schedule your child for a last-minute appointment if an emergency arises? Ask the dentist to provide you with a list of all the dental services they’re able to offer your child. You may also find this information on their website.
6. Are You Board Certified?
A board-certified dentist has passed both the oral and written exams given by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. The exams cover a wide variety of topics that all pediatric dentists should have knowledge on. You can look for certification on their website or contact them to ask if they’re board certified.
If they are, then they can show proof of this certification.
7. Do You Take My Dental Insurance?
Paying for dental services out of pocket can get expensive quickly. This is why it’s important to have dental insurance for the entire family. Don’t hesitate to ask the pediatric dentist if they accept your insurance.
Of course, you can always go through your insurance first to ask for a list of pediatric dentists that are in the network. If you’ve found an amazing pediatric dentist who doesn’t accept your insurance, then don’t panic. Many dentists offer payment plans to help reduce some of the financial burdens.
8. Can You Provide Me With References?
A great pediatric dentist will have several references from past and current patients. You can ask the dentist to give you a few references to contact. If they’re able to give you references, then be sure to call each one.
Prepare a list of questions to ask each reference and leave room to write down their answers. A good reference should tell you why they recommend that pediatric dentist to you.
Are You Ready to Find the Best Dentist For Kids?
The best dentist for kids might take a bit of research to find, but with all the right questions, you’ll have no problem doing just that! Use all of the information given above to help you conduct and conclude your search. Then, get in touch with Rebecca T. Wheeler, D.M.D. Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Wheeler has been serving the Nicholasville area for over 20 years with a specialty in pediatric dentistry. Schedule your child’s first appointment today to see how we can help you!