How to Choose a Dentist for your Child

A Lifetime of Oral Health Starts Early

Choosing a 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 worthwhile 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 youngster something to smile about.

Selecting a dentist for your little one may seem like a daunting task, so it’s a smart idea to ask for a recommendation from someone you trust. Whether it’s a friend, co-worker, or family member, he or she will probably be more than happy to share their child’s dental experience.

Make sure your child is comfortable

It’s very important for your son or daughter to feel comfortable with the dentist. Does the doctor have a pleasant chairside manner? Do you feel like he or she really pays attention to your concerns?

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. That’s why you’re there! It’s crucial for you to understand every facet of your child’s dental health and the available treatment options. The more informed you can be 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?
• Does it offer extended office hours before or after work and school?
• What types of insurance does the office work with and what kind of financing do they offer?
• Do the dentist and staff seem interested in making your child’s experience personalized, or do you feel like “just a number”?

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