Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. If left untreated, it can cause problems with things such as eating, speaking, and even learning. Getting your child to a qualified pediatric dentist in Lexington can help to prevent these developmental problems.
When it comes to dental care for your child, it is a better idea to take them to a pediatric dentist rather than a general dentist. Read on to discover why.
Specialized Training
While both pediatric and general dentists know what they are doing, pediatric dentists have done training that prepares them to work with kids. Pediatric dentists have to complete four years of dental school as well as two additional years of residency training in dental care for children.
This extra training will ensure that your pediatric dentist knows the differences between the dental health of an adult vs. the dental health of a child.
Kid-Friendly Environment
Since pediatric dentist offices are designed for children, it will be a more welcoming environment for your little one. The waiting rooms should be fun and playful with games and books for your child to enjoy. This will make the whole experience more fun and less stressful for your child.
Staff Knows How to Work With Children
Not only will you get a kid-friendly dentist, but you will also encounter a kid-friendly staff. General dentist staff members may be more used to working with adults and will therefore not know how to make children feel comfortable. People who apply for jobs at a pediatric dentist know they will be working with children, and will likely be more welcoming to your little one.
Keeping Your Child Healthy
The most important reward of having your child see a pediatric dentist is the care they will receive. It is essential to make sure your child’s teeth are developing correctly and that their overall oral health is thriving. Routine visits to a pediatric dentist can ensure this.
Your pediatric dentist can also help your child develop good habits outside of the dentist’s office. They can teach your child how to properly brush and floss in an easy-to-understand way.
What to Look for When Choosing a Pediatric Dentist in Lexington
Once you have decided to go with a pediatric dentist, it is time to find one that will best suit your child’s needs. This is what to look for when choosing the best dentist for kids in the Lexington area.
Lots of Experience
Search for a pediatric dentist that has been in practice for a few years. If your dentist is fresh out of school, they may not be as comfortable working with children yet. Also, if your dentist has been practicing for a long time, they will likely have experience with many different dental problems and conditions that could affect your child.
Correct Credentials
Make sure your pediatric dentist has the additional two years of education that is required of them. This ensures that they are properly trained to work with children.
Our very own Dr. Jane-Katherine Jones earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. She also has two years of advanced training at the University of Kentucky Pediatric Dentistry Residency program. She is also a member of numerous organizations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
Affordable Services
Dental care can be expensive, so it is important to make sure the services are affordable for your family. Check with both your insurance company and the dentist’s office to see what your finances may look like after treatment. Many offices also have payment plans you can sign up for if you are not covered under insurance.
It is also important to be aware of services that are too cheap to begin with. If the price feels too good to be true, then it may be. Cheap services may get you a cheap job.
Positive Reviews or Recommendations
When searching for the best pediatric dentist, you will want to seek the advice of others. First, ask your friends and family for their own pediatric dentist recommendations. Ask them how they feel about the price, the dentists, and the overall atmosphere of the office.
If your friends and family do not have recommendations, then you can turn to the internet to do some research. Look at online reviews for dentists in your area. People tend to not hold back in online reviews, so you are likely to get an honest opinion.
Availability
It is essential to make sure you choose a dentist that can be available quickly. Because children’s teeth are always moving and changing, they may be more likely to experience a dental emergency. Make sure you choose a dentist that can see your child quickly for cases like these.
If it takes too long to get an appointment, you may end up paying even more money going to urgent care or to another dentist. Choose a dentist that has an emergency phone line or an emergency scheduling system.
Schedule an Appointment With Us Today
So, if your child is not visiting a pediatric dentist in Lexington, then it’s time to begin. Find a dentist that will take care of your child’s dental health while also taking the time to get to know your child and give them a personalized experience.
The staff at Beaumont Kid’s Dentistry is always here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Feel free to contact us at any time. We would love to see you and your child in our office soon!