What to Know When Choosing a Pediatric Dentist
Choosing to visit a pediatric dentist instead of a general family dentist can make an extreme difference for your children and their oral health! Having a dentist who has experience in caring for children and making them feel comfortable will allow them to form a positive relationship with their visits and their future oral care routine. When looking for a pediatric dentist, it’s important to keep a few key qualities in mind…
Specialized Experience
A pediatric dentist is required to have an additional 2 years of specialized training, specifically focusing on children’s oral health. They should also be board-certified by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Since children are still developing, issues related to their mouth, teeth, jaw, and face are extremely different than fully developed adults. Having a dentist who is medically competent in the specific issues that come with oral development of infants, toddlers, and children, and the psychology of young children, will ensure that your child is getting quality oral care.
Bed Side Manner
A trip to the dentist can be incredibly scary and stressful for children! Having a dentist who understands that can help alleviate unnecessary stress and create a positive relationship for your children and their visits. The first visit should be easy and introductory so you and your children can meet the dentists and hygienists, check out the office, and start the relationship off on a positive note. Your hygienists and dentists should be calm, positive, patient, and understanding. It’s incredibly important for your child to associate their trips to the dentist with positivity and fun!
Kid Friendly Atmosphere
A good pediatric dentist’s office will be an inviting and warm environment where your child and family feel comfortable and at ease. The right space will be a place where your kids feel calm and can keep themselves entertained before, during, and after all their appointments. All staff should be friendly, and the waiting room should provide activities for your child to engage in to lessen any anxiety they may feel.
Wide Array of Services
Choosing a pediatric dentist that offers a wide array of services will limit the stress and uncertainty of having to look elsewhere when other treatments are needed. Look for a team that provides not only preventative care like regular cleanings and exams, but diagnostic, restorative and surgical care, as well as nutritional oral health services and more.
Contact Our Where Smiles Grow Team Today!
At Where Smiles Grow, our experienced team members have advanced specialty training in clinical dentistry, early childhood development, behavior management, and child psychology to ensure exceptional care for all our patients. Your child deserves customized care to fit their specific needs and ensure they receive high quality dental care. Our team is accepting new patients in our three convenient locations in Schodack, Latham, and Delmar! Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!