Whether you are taking your child to a pediatric dentist for the first time or have moved out of state and are looking for a pediatric dentist to continue their care, it is important to find the right pediatric dentist.
Finding the right pediatric dentist can be challenging for many parents, but that does not have to be the case for you. Below, we outline four qualities to look for in a pediatric dentist to ensure your child receives the best dental care.
Specializes in Pediatric Dentistry
Before choosing a pediatric dentist, you must ensure that they specialize in pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentists that specialize in pediatric dentistry complete a two to three-year program after dental school that focuses on child psychology, oral health for young patients, and dental techniques for infants and children. With the knowledge obtained from their additional training, these pediatric dentists can manage the unique needs of every child that walks into their clinic, ensuring effective treatment and positive dental experiences.
Exhibits Patience with Children
You want a pediatric dentist that is patient with your child. Working with pediatric patients is different from working with adult patients. Often, young patients are fidgety during their appointments, making it difficult to provide pediatric dentistry services. Additionally, some young patients are afraid of the dental equipment and might jump off the orthodontic chair at the sight of a mouth mirror. If your pediatric dentist is not patient, your child may not get the necessary dental care. Ensure your potential pediatric dentist is patient and can put your child at ease.
A Good Communicator
Good communication is essential in pediatric dentistry. Dentists communicate differently with adults than they do with young patients. This is because adults understand the procedures being performed on them without asking many questions, whereas children are less knowledgeable about dental services. To ensure your child receives quality dental care, you must find a pediatric dentist who can communicate well with them. The pediatric dentist should be able to explain procedures in a child-friendly manner. The dentist should also use visual aids while communicating with young patients, as this helps them understand the material better.
Makes Dental Care Fun
Your potential pediatric dentist should make dental care fun. Fun dentists bring joy by telling a tooth joke or giving equipment that your child is afraid of a silly name. They can also sing silly songs or talk in funny voices to lighten the mood. At the end of the visit, a fun dentist can reward your child with a prize. This can be a new toothbrush, a sticker, or a toy. Apart from making dental care a fun experience, your potential dentist should know how to teach your child about dental care in a fun way. This can include showing your child a copy of their x-rays or using a model tooth to show them different types of teeth.
Choose The Right Pediatric Dentist For Lifelong Oral Health
The right pediatric dentist specializes in pediatric dentistry, is patient with children, is a good communicator, and makes dental care fun. Ensure your potential pediatric dentist has these qualities, which all promote a positive dental experience.
