How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist

A Lifetime of Oral Health Starts Early

Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating the unique needs of children. A pediatric dentist has completed two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school. He or she limits the practice to treating the oral health needs of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Choosing a pediatric practice to trust with the health and beauty of your child's smile is an important decision. Making a positive first impression at the dentist can influence children's view of dentistry for the rest of their lives, so it's important to make sure your child is comfortable with the doctor and staff.

Ideally, your child's dental experience will be something to remember for the rest of his or her life. Make sure it will give your child something to smile about.

Selecting a pediatric dentist may seem like a daunting task, so it's a great idea to ask for a recommendation from someone you trust. Whether it's a friend, co-worker, or family member, they'll probably be more than happy to share their child's dental experience.

Consider education and experience.

Once you have a list of a few pediatric dentists, do a little research. Find out about their educational background, where they went to school, and what kinds of continuing education or specialty training they've had. Before you set up an appointment, make sure the candidate is a licensed member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This ensures that he or she remains up to date on the newest and most effective clinical procedures.

Make sure your child is comfortable.

Not all pediatric dentists are alike. It's very important for your child to feel comfortable with the pediatric dentist. Does the doctor have a pleasant chairside manner? Do you feel like he or she really pays attention to your concerns? Is he or she conservative in their treatment diagnosis? How do they perform treatment? How do they handle the procedure if the patient is fearful? Do they force the patient or hold them down? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Does the office have a fun atmosphere that your child enjoys? Take all this into consideration when choosing a pediatric dental office.

Ask questions.

During your initial consultation, don't be afraid to ask questions. After all, that's why you're there! It's important for you to understand every aspect of your child's dental health and the available treatment options. The more informed you are about your child's dental health, the better decisions you will be able to make.

A few things to consider:

• Is the office located near your home or work to make appointments as convenient as possible?
• Do they offer preventative care to minimize risks?
• What types of treatments options do they offer to make your child comfortable?
• Do the dentist and staff seem interested in making your child's experience personalized, or do you feel like “just a number?”

Give your child the gift of ideal dental health by visiting a pediatric dentist who truly cares about your child's health and happiness.