Is your child ready for their first-ever dentist appointment? Your child should visit a kid-friendly dentist by their first birthday. If their baby teeth have already started growing in, don’t wait!
Not sure how to find the best dentist for kids in Lexington? Here are seven tips that can help.
With these tips, you can find peace of mind knowing you’re trusting your child’s health with the best pediatric dentist. Choosing the right Lexington kid’s dentist can put your child at ease, too. You won’t have to worry about dental anxiety keeping them from future visits.
Read on to discover how to find the best kid’s dentist in Lexington today.
1. Gather Parent Referrals
If you want to streamline your entire search, talk to other parents you know and trust. Ask if they can recommend the best dentist for kids in town. They could help you build a list of dentists to research further.
Speaking with other parents can also help you gather insights that aren’t available online. You can learn from the people who were once in your shoes. Parents will have a better understanding of what you’re looking for as a parent.
Ask each parent you speak with about their experiences with the Lexington pediatric dentist they’re recommending. Consider creating a list of questions you want to ask ahead of time.
First, ask if the dentist was experienced and knowledgeable. An experienced dentist will have an easier time answering your questions. Make sure they have experience working with children, too.
You can also ask the parent if their child was comfortable. If their child was nervous, ask what the dentist did to help.
Once you have a list of referrals, you can use the rest of these tips to narrow down your choices.
If you’re struggling to gather personal recommendations from other Lexington parents, that’s okay. Instead, start online. Pull up Google Maps to find a few dentists located nearby.
Take the time to prioritize dentists on your list near your home or child’s school. You’ll have an easier time taking your child in for appointments. If there’s an emergency, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the dentist is close by.
2. Double-Check Credentials
Learn as much as you can about each dentist on your list. After all, there are over 1,082,000 dentists employed across the US. Their training can help set them apart.
First, make sure each dentist has the proper credentials. If they’re not licensed as a dentist in the state, remove them from your list.
Ask for proof the dentist is board-certified. If the dentist hesitates to prove this information, look elsewhere. You can also check their Healthgrades.com listing for more information.
Determine where they received their education and training, too. Consider how long ago they graduated. Make sure they have a diploma from an accredited dental school, too.
How long ago they graduated can speak to their years of experience in the industry. However, some dentists fail to keep their training up-to-date. If you can, find dentists who continue their education long after graduating.
These dentists remain up-to-date about the latest dental techniques, technologies, and services. They’ll likely ensure your child receives higher standards of care.
3. Pick Pediatric Experience
Though there are 1,082,000 dental professionals in the country, some have more experience than others. Take the time to determine how long each Lexington pediatric dentist has worked in the industry. Determine how long they’ve owned their own practice, too.
The best dentist for kids will have years of experience working with kids.
Try to avoid choosing a general dentist who only recently started treating children. They might not know how to put your child at ease.
If your child experiences dental anxiety, they might fight and squirm during appointments. They might not receive the care and attention they need as a result.
Someone with years of experience treating children will know how to help your child.
If they’ve owned their practice for a few years, it’s likely their team knows how to function like a well-oiled machine. You won’t have to worry about operational issues impacting your child’s experience. Newer businesses, on the other hand, might need a little time.
4. Read Parent Reviews
If you want to learn more about each kid-friendly dentist on your list, read reviews.
Check the dentist’s Healthgrades.com, Better Business Bureau, and Google My Business listings. Read a handful of reviews for each dentist.
Finding one or two negative reviews is normal. If the negative comments overshadow the positive reviews, remove them from your list. Instead, find a local dentist who has a glowing reputation.
5. Schedule a Visit
Call each office and ask if they’re available for a consultation appointment.
During your visit, look around. Is the environment kid-friendly? Beginning an appointment in a kid-friendly waiting area can put your child at ease.
Pay attention to the staff, too. Are they kind, patient, and professional?
Consider the office’s cleanliness as well.
6. Consider Their Services
During the consultation appointment, ask each Lexington pediatric dentist about their practice. Find answers to anything you weren’t able to find online.
Discuss the services each dentist offers, too. For example, how will they ensure and improve your child’s oral health? Ask what services they would recommend based on your child’s needs and age.
For example, the dentist should talk to you about preventative care. They might recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealant for your child.
Here are a few more questions you can ask as well.
7. Trust Your Gut
Once you’ve spoken with one or two dentists, review your notes. Which dentist do you think will keep your child at ease? Consider who was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to as well.
Then, trust your gut! Choose a dentist with your child’s needs and comfort in mind.
Sweet Smiles: 7 Tips for Finding the Best Dentist for Kids in Lexington
Finding the best dentist for kids is easier than you might think! Start searching using these seven tips. Once you’ve found the perfect kid-friendly dentist, schedule your child’s first appointment.
Finding the right dentist can set their oral health up for years of stunning smiles and success.
Don’t forget to talk to the dentist about cavity care for your child, too.
Here’s a little information that can help you learn more!