Did you know that parents should start bringing their children to the dentist before they even reach their first birthday? Is it time for your little one to start seeing a pediatric dentist?
Finding the right pediatric dentist is harder than it looks, especially when there are so many competing for your attention! We’re here to talk about how to find the right “pediatric dentist near me” to take care of your child’s teeth.
Read on for our top tips.
Ask Around
Sometimes your best resource for finding new healthcare professionals, pediatric dentists included, will be the people around you.
Do you have friends with children? Ask them about which pediatric dentists they see and whether or not they would recommend them!
If your child is in school or daycare, you can also ask other parents there (and potentially even the caregivers or teachers if they have children). People understand that this is a big decision, so they’re likely to be willing to help.
You may also be able to ask your child’s pediatrician or your own dentist. While many general and family dentists are happy to treat infants and children, they understand that parents often prefer choosing a pediatric dentist instead.
They may be able to give you some insight.
Read Online Reviews
If you can’t find good information from people “in real life,” take your search to the web.
When you look up local pediatric dental clinic services, each option should have a Google My Business page. You’ll be able to see a star rating and plenty of reviews. You can also check out a variety of other review sites to get a wider range of opinions.
Make sure to look for reviews that apply to you and your situation. For example, if there are reviews about infant dentistry and your child is well beyond their baby years, those reviews won’t apply to you.
Look for pediatric dental offices that have a 4 or 5-star rating.
Learn Their Qualifications
All pediatric dentists need to have gone through dental school as well as extra training in pediatric dentistry. Again, some general and family dentists also treat children, but they don’t receive that extra training.
The extra training teaches pediatric dentists how to identify and solve child-specific problems. They also learn more about a child’s oral development, child-specific good oral hygiene tips, and general best practices for working with children.
If you’re unsure based on the information available on the website, never be afraid to reach out and ask.
Assess Accessibility
Taking your child to the dentist shouldn’t be a hassle. When you’re looking for a great pediatric dentist in Lexington, KY, make sure that you’re actually able to get to them.
If you drive, make sure there’s accessible parking. The dentist should be close enough to your home, work, or your child’s school or daycare that it isn’t too out of the way to be convenient.
Remember, you’re likely going to be taking time off of work or pulling your child out of school early to get to the dentist, so you want it to be as close as possible so you can maximize your time.
If you take public transportation, make sure that the dental office is close to bus stops.
It’s also helpful to look at the hours to see if they align with your needs. Most dental offices are only available during standard office hours, but closing times vary.
Consider Costs and Insurance Options
Cost is another important factor when it comes to accessibility. You want to make sure that you can afford dental care for your child.
If your child has dental insurance, contact the dental office to see if they accept it. If so, your problem is solved.
If you don’t have dental insurance for your child, that’s okay. Your child still needs dental care, and many dentists offer convenient payment plans that make it easier to get that care.
There’s nothing wrong with asking about prices before you take your child to the dentist.
Check Offered Services
Did you know that not all dentists offer the same services? If you’re looking for something specific for your child, make sure that the dentist in question offers it before making a commitment.
For example, some pediatric dentists offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is a safe way to keep children calm during their appointments. It’s great for children with special needs as well as children who struggle with dental anxiety.
If you’re unsure as to whether or not a dentist offers a specific service, reach out and ask!
Visit the Dental Office With Your Child
Your last step before committing to a dental office should be visiting the office itself with your children, if possible. You can even set up an initial appointment to do this. Remember, having one appointment with a pediatric dentist doesn’t mean you have to commit to them long-term.
Make sure the child feels comfortable in the dental office. See how the dentist (and the rest of the staff) interacts with them.
If your child has a good experience, you know you’ve found a good fit.
It’s Time to Find a “Pediatric Dentist Near Me”
If you’re on the hunt for a “pediatric dentist near me,” keep these suggestions in mind. This is a big decision, so you should consider every factor! Good luck finding your child’s new favorite dentist.
At Beaumont Kids Dentistry, we offer the highest standards of care to our young patients. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment today.