Many parents wonder how to find the best pediatric dentist for their kid. Great pediatric dentistry can make a huge difference in how your little one begins building lifelong, healthy dental care habits. Children should begin visiting the dentist as early as by their first birthday, so beginning the search sooner than later is important. The key to choosing the right pediatric dentist is to find the perfect balance of deep medical expertise and an accessible, enjoyable experience for young patients.
Pick the Right Pediatric Dentist
There are a number of things to consider when you evaluate a dentist and their capacity for pediatric care. A helpful first step is to ask for recommendations from people you trust. This can include your family, neighbors, friends, and even your kid’s pediatrician. You should also inquire about general dentists who serve families in your area. After you have compiled a list of your options, research them online.
There are a number of perspectives to consider when weighing your choices in pediatric dentistry. Foremost among these, ask yourself if the dentist’s professional and personal manner make you and your child feel comfortable? A dentist who knows how to treat both you and your family with respect, as well as answer questions sensitively and in an age-appropriate way, can be a boon to your kid’s health for years to come. Also, be certain that you feel properly informed yourself. You should experience no ambiguity when it comes to learning about your child’s tooth development, as well as how to best prevent issues and encourage a strong at-home dental care regimen.
Check how “kid-friendly” the office feels. Are there adequate indications that kids are welcome? That might mean looking out for child-sized furniture, child-themed decorations, toys, and more. Ask about the practice’s policy on parents and whether they should accompany their child during dental treatment. Does it align with your own preferences? Some dentists require parents to remain with young patients for the entire duration of the visit, so that the dentist can educate the parent and the parent can calm a potentially nervous child. Other practices advocate strongly for independence at a younger age, encouraging child patients to receive care on their own and take ownership of their dental health.
Schedule Consultations
The Internet is a good resource to begin your research, but the best way to know something is to experience it first-hand. Pick a few of the most promising pediatric dentists on your list and make time for consultation with each one. Watch for how the dentist engages your child, as well as your young one reacts to the entire experience. This is all about “testing the water,” so to speak, so no work should be done. A good pediatric dentist will take a genuine interest in your child’s oral health, happy to answer any and all questions you might have in a warm, reassuring manner. Education is a huge component of successful pediatric dentistry, so be sure you feel good about the dentist, not just as a medical service provider, but as an informational resource too.
Pick the Best Dentist
Carefully consider every dentist you and your child saw. With whom did your child have the most fun? Who did your child simply like the best? Who made certain to take as much time as needed to explain the basics of good oral hygiene (how to brush teeth, floss, etc.) on a kid-friendly level? If your child is old enough, feel free to ask their opinion. The right pediatric dentist will make you both feel comfortable and confident going into your next visit to their office.
Mile High Smiles is proud to serve many families in our community, which means we provide care patients of all ages. Schedule your visit today and learn more about how Dr. Levitin and his staff can help you set your child up for a lifetime of fantastic oral health.
