6 Musts When Finding the Perfect Pediatric Dentist For Your Child
Finding a perfect dentist for your child can be a difficult task. Every parent wants their child to be in the best care possible. Having friendly staff and a clean environment should be at the top of the list. There are many other things to consider. Here are six musts every parent should keep in mind when looking for a pediatric dentist.
1. Friendliness
It is important to take note of how friendly the staff is. After all, your child will spend many visits at the dentist’s office. Dental visits can cause some nervousness, even in adults. A friendly dentist and staff can help ease any worry and make the experience a pleasant one. How does your child act when you are there? Does the staff make an effort to have conversation with the children? These are all questions you need to ask yourself when choosing a dentist. A nervous visit can be turned around to become interesting and educational by a staff who knows how to handle children.
2. Cleanliness
Cleanliness is an area you should not compromise on. The way a dental practice feels about hygiene says a lot about them. Does the dentist wash his or her hands before and after handling your child? Does the staff do the same? Do not be afraid to ask more questions when looking for a dentist for your child. A good question to ask is what methods of sterilization and cleaning they use daily. Asking these questions will help put you as a parent at ease. Understanding that everything that touches your child has been properly sterilized will give you some much-needed peace of mind.
3. Fun and Games
A soft, fun atmosphere sets the tone for the entire visit. You might even be surprised when your little one asks to visit the dentist again! The key to helping your child form healthy views on the dentist is to make sure their visits are as comfortable and fun as they can be. No child has ever refused going to a fun place- no matter what that place is. Some things to look for are bright colors, fun characters around the office, and lots of toys and games. These things will put your child at ease and help them forget about any worry they previously had.
4. Pain and Comfort
A common fear for children and adults alike is the level of pain at the dentist. Needles, drills and other equipment can cause a lot of anxiety. Your child may also have heard some horror stories that were exaggerated. The key to having a comfortable experience is to find out how the dentist feels about pain. Does he or she value the comfort of their patient? Many dentists are leaning towards this viewpoint, so it should not be difficult to find a low-pain dentist. If a dentist constantly checks on the comfort level of their patient throughout the procedure, that is a very good sign. Adding more numbing medicine as needed communicates that the doctor cares about the patient’s comfort. It is also good to find out what types of numbing procedures your dentist uses, and how much discomfort can be expected. Every parent wants their child to be as comfortable as possible. Most dentists will work with you to achieve this.
5. Location
The location of your dentist is something to think about. Parents spend a lot of time in the car going from one place to another. If you can find a dentist that is within a short drive from home, this is very advisable to do. A short drive also minimizes the amount of time your child has to contemplate what will happen at the dentist. Being able to get to the dentist within a short period of time minimizes stress for everyone involved.
6. Insurance
Finding a dentist that is covered by your insurance plan saves you the most money. Many insurance companies offer a list of in-network providers whose services are covered. When looking for your child’s pediatric dentist, it is important to first look at the dentists on this list. If you are unable to find the right dentist on this list, most insurance companies offer an estimated cost for using dentists who are not covered. Some parents choose to pay the extra cost for a dentist who is outside the network but is an awesome fit for their family.
When looking for the perfect pediatric dentist for your child, there are several key things to keep in mind. Hygiene, friendliness and comfort level are very important, among other things. When looking for a pediatric dentist, find one that you can see yourself visiting for years to come, until your child no longer visits a pediatric dentist. This creates a comfortable relationship, making dental visits easier as time passes.
