How to Choose a Dentist for Children
Parenting is a full-time job. Changing diapers, preparing meals, doing laundry, and picking up toys can easily fill out your day. Add in the occasional milestone event—their first haircut, first dentist appointment, picking out preschools—and it can become overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.
When looking for a dentist for children, naturally you want the best one. Since there are so many factors to consider, some parents postpone their child’s first dental visit altogether. Ideally, you should never postpone dental care, as it’s important for your child’s oral development and overall health, but to help you out, let’s wade through the confusion. Read on for expert tips to help you find the best pediatric dentist for children.
Recommendations From Friends
If you crack open the Yellow Pages, you’ll be bombarded by dozens and dozens of dentists who say they’re the best. A quick search online may unearth dozens more. So how do you possibly narrow it down?
As it turns out, many of your friends have likely been in the same position you are. Why not lean on them and enjoy the fruits of their hard work?
Since they’ve already asked all of the questions and vetted a dentist or two, it’s almost as if they’ve done all of the legwork for you! While there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to children’s dentists, this will help you narrow down your search and get you ready for the next important step.
Research Their Credentials
It’s always a best practice to look at the qualifications and experience of the dentist you’re considering. What you’re looking for specifically is whether or not they are a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists have all of the training and credentials as a regular dentist, but they also have additional training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs. You may also want to check to see if there are any online reviews of the dentist.
Check Out the Office
Before setting your first appointment with a dentist for children, consider swinging by their office. This allows you to check out the following:
- The cleanliness of the office
- How friendly and engaging the staff members are
- The waiting area and what kind of toys, magazines, and videos they have for your child
- The location of the office
- The technology available for optimal dental care
While at the office, you may also ask questions like, “How do you ease anxious children?” and “Do you accept my dental insurance plan?” While you could easily ask these questions over the phone, going into their office allows you to see the staff in action.
A Dentist Who Fits Your Child’s Needs
Allow us to remove the guesswork and put an end to your search. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist who will fit the needs of your children, call our office today or make an appointment online. At Buckhead Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we always go above and beyond to not only make an enjoyable experience for your kids but also ensure they maintain optimal dental health. Put our services to the test. You’ll be glad you did.