As parents, there’s little we wouldn’t do for our children’s comfort—and that extends to getting them into a dental chair. Though we know it’s crucial to take care of their baby teeth, it’s not uncommon for kids to feel anxious or uncertain around strangers in new environments, and it can be even worse around dentists. Around 7-8% of kids between ages seven and nine report dental fear, which is why it’s crucial to find a friendly, comforting resource in your kid’s dentist.
Of course, finding the best dentist for kids can be easier said than done! With so many kids dentists in Beaumont, how do you find the right clinic?
We’ve got you covered. Let’s take a quick look at the steps to finding a clinic you can trust with the health, comfort, and well-being of your child.
Start With Recommendations
If you have friends, family members, coworkers, or even acquaintances who have glowing recommendations of their current Lexington pediatric dentist, that’s always a great place to start. Talk to other parents in your network to see whether they have a favorite specialist, or if they know of any local clinics you should avoid. With a few calls, you may find yourself with a list of kid-friendly dentists in no time!
Comb Through Online Reviews
The next step is to start looking through the online reviews of each kids’ dentist you’re considering.
If your network has offered up a long list of recommendations, start with those. If not, you’ll need to first do some online searching to come up with a list. A general search for terms like “kids dentist in Lexington” or even “kids dentist near me” should help you pull up a list of some of the most prominent names in the area, often clinics that have put serious effort into marketing themselves for pediatric care.
Online reviews can help you narrow down your search and cross off any clinics you don’t feel comfortable with right off the bat. Keep in mind, of course, that most people who write reviews are either very satisfied or very unsatisfied, so you’ll want to take their testimonials with a grain of salt. However, if you notice a pattern of common complaints or similar praises, it’s a sign to take the words seriously.
If the dental office has responded to the reviews, take a good look at their tone and professionalism as well.
Look for Experience and Qualifications
Once you’ve crossed off any clinics with too many poor reviews, jump onto the dentist’s website. In general, you can trust that any dentist is knowledgeable: it takes a lot to become a dentist, and the educational requirements are rigorous. However, the best pediatric dentists will want to show that their expertise goes above and beyond the basics, so look for extra details on their specialization.
Good signs include any advanced training, special residencies, and at least five years of experience. Board-certified dentists are the gold standard, as are dentists who belong to organizations like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Consider the Location
This might seem like a no-brainer, but finding a pediatric dentist in Lexington close to where you live is always ideal. Because you’ll be heading out for a visit at least twice a year, a convenient location is easier to fit into your family’s busy schedule. Even better, shorter drives can often be easier on kids, reducing anxiety about the visit.
Check Out the Atmosphere
The right Beaumont family dentistry clinic will go out of its way to present a calming, clean, and comfortable atmosphere for kids.
As you weigh your options, consider stopping by the clinic to check it out in person. Is the area family-friendly, and are there areas for play and entertainment? Even simple toys and décor can go a long way toward reducing your child’s anxiety and making them feel at home in the new space.
Here at Beaumont Kids Dentistry, our Dr. Seuss-themed clinic is sure to get your child excited for a visit, with fun surprises and play areas around every corner.
Talk to the Team
If you have the chance, be sure to interact with the staff during your visit, stop by for a consultation or initial check-up, or give them a call. Be prepared with any questions you may have about their communication, appointments, and more. If you’re not sure what you might want to know, here are a few questions to consider:
- What should I expect during my child’s first visit?
- Is there anything I should bring for the first visit?
- What techniques do you use to calm an anxious child?
- Do you offer sedation?
- Can you help me teach my child to care for their teeth?
- What can you do about my child’s sensitive teeth?
- At what age should my child have their first visit?
- Can you accommodate my child’s disability or special needs?
A professional and friendly team will be able to answer your questions with ease. If they stumble through responses or seem rushed, it might be a better idea to look somewhere else. Go with your gut: if you feel like the staff and dentist come across as friendly and knowledgeable, it might be perfect for your kids.
Best Dentist for Kids
Finding the best dentist for kids should never be a snap decision, and just because a clinic looks great on paper doesn’t mean it’s a great fit for your family. We always recommend calling or stopping by to get a feel for the clinic and its staff. Don’t rush the decision: your child’s comfort and well-being is at stake!
If you’re searching for a Lexington kids’ dentist, look no further. We’re here to exceed your expectations! With a vibrant, kid-friendly clinic and a gentle and professional team, we’re ready to make you and your child feel right at home.
For more information, get in touch with us today.