Finding a pediatric dentist near you can be challenging. Not only do you want to find a well-reviewed dentist, but you also want to find an office welcoming toward your child and making them feel safe and cared for. Here, we cover some ways to find a great pediatric dentist near you and what to expect at your child’s first appointment.
Why Should My Child See a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists undergo additional training to help them best care for young patients. This gives them added experience and means they can work with your child. From ensuring your child is comfortable during their visits to turning their office into a child-friendly space perfect for young patients, dentists with a pediatric specialty put their patients first.
Visiting a dentist can cause anxiety, especially in young children. Dental offices specifically geared toward pediatric patients know this and work with parents or guardians to make each dental visit as stress-free and comfortable as possible. From scheduling longer dental visits to explaining each tool and step of the process to curious children, pediatric dentists can help your child feel more confident with their dental care.
What to Look for in a Pediatric Dentist
Before you start driving around your town looking for pediatric dentists in your area, there are other, easier options. For example, asking your primary dentist if they know of any pediatric dental specialists in the area can be a great way to get a recommendation.
You want to find an accredited pediatric dentist, especially one accredited by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. This shows that this dentist has undergone the right education to specialize in pediatric dentistry and gives you peace of mind knowing your child is in good hands.
Beyond ensuring your pediatric dentist has the correct credentials, check word-of-mouth and online reviews about the dentist. This is a good way to get a feel for the practice and help determine if their office fits you and your child.
A good pediatric dentist is patient and works with parents to find the best treatment options for their child, so past patient reviews should reflect this care and consideration.
You can also look for a family dentist. Family dentists offer dental care to patients of all ages and specifically work with families to meet their varying dental needs. So if you’re looking for the specialization of a pediatric dentist with the availability to treat your whole family, family dentists can be a great option.
No matter what dentist you choose, find one that works closely with you and your child to ensure your dental needs are met, and any questions are answered.
If you’re looking for a pediatric and family dentist that works with patients to create a welcoming, comfortable environment free of stress, check out Coolbreeze Dentistry. Our pediatric and orthotics staff work closely with our patients to care for their dental health in a way that reduces anxiety and instills a lifelong appreciation of dental care. To schedule an appointment or for any questions, call us at (914) 245-2965 today.
Source(s):
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby