As soon as your child’s first tooth starts erupting, you’re probably thinking about what comes next (besides more sleep, hopefully!): the dentist. Finding a good children’s dentist can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some things you want to consider when choosing your child’s dentist:
Dentist Credentials
The most important factor to consider is the dentist’s credentials – you want them to know what they’re doing!
Preferably, they should be a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. They should keep their knowledge current with continuing education classes, seminars, etc., as the field is constantly evolving.
These kinds of things should be posted in the office somewhere, but if not, ask! A good dentist will be happy to provide you that information.
Office Atmosphere
The dentist can be scary to adults; imagine how terrified your little one might be! The dentist’s office should be warm, welcoming and fun to reduce these fears the second you walk in the door.
Look for cheerful, inviting colors on the walls and some toys to make it a fun experience. The staff should also be friendly and able to interact well with your child. All of these things will help put your son or daughter at ease before they even hop into the chair.
Dentist Demeanor
It’s best to find a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry, as they’re trained in and ready for the obstacles that come when you work with kids.
Notice how the dentist responds to crying, flailing children. He or she should be ready for this and have some tricks up their sleeve. They should be patient, careful and kind – and, ideally, a little silly. Laughter always helps a nervous child.
A good children’s dentist should also explain what to expect as they go along – this tends to make the process a lot less scary for kids.
Dental health is so important to your child’s overall health, so you want to start a good routine early. In addition to at-home practices, finding a great children’s dentist is the best thing you can do. Keep these things in mind when looking for yours and you’ll be off to a great start.