Tips That Will Help You Find The Right Pediatric Dentist

Your Child’s Oral Health is Important

Do you know when to see a pediatric dentist? Experts advise that children should see the dentist for the first time within about six months after the first tooth comes in, or by the time they’re 12 months old. Those early dental visits pave the way for a lifetime of good oral health, by getting the child used to the dentist and making regular visits to the dentist a habit from the very beginning. A dentist who knows your child will be able to catch little problems before they become major issues, and can help keep your child’s mouth, and by extension the whole body, healthy. Of course, knowing the importance of a good dentist for your child is one thing, but knowing how to find a good pediatric dentist can be a little bit more complicated.

Understand the Dentist’s Qualifications and Specialization

If you don’t know how to find a good pediatric dentist, you might want to start by understanding what makes a good dentist. Look for a dentist who graduated from an accredited dental school and who prioritizes continued education. Dentists who have been practicing for decades might be very good at what they do, but on the other hand, if they haven’t kept current, their techniques may be outdated. Look for a dentist who keeps up with the newest technologies and practices so that their patients can receive the very best care. Make sure that any dentist you consider is board-certified, and if the dentist is not willing to provide proof of credentials, cross that dentist off of your list.

Importance of Pediatric Dentistry

Why should you choose pediatric dentistry for your child? There are likely to be many dentists near you, but pediatric dentists are highly specialized. While family dentists can treat children and adults, pediatric dentists go to two or three extra years of training just to learn how to better address children’s needs and behaviors. They are better able to serve children and provide them with a welcoming environment, because they understand how to make them more comfortable. Pediatric dentists are good at explaining things to children, so it’s worthwhile to find a pediatric dentist rather than a family dentist.

How to Find the Right Pediatric Dentistry

A dentist can have the best credentials around, but that doesn’t mean he or she is the right dentist for you. Here are some tips for looking for a pediatric dentist to meet your needs.

• Ask for recommendations. Sometimes, other parents can be your most valuable source of information. Ask your friends who have children, talk to your neighbors, and acquaintances, and ask about favorite dentists and dentists to avoid. You will soon have a handful of recommendations, and you might even have some unique insights. Ask about each child’s first appointment with the dentist, and what that experience was like. Was the dental team skilled and professional? Was the customer service team friendly? Did the child feel anxious, and if so, how did the dental team handle it? Get as much information as you can, in order to narrow down your search.
• Check the reviews. Online reviews, from sites like Google My Business and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help you learn about the dentists you’re considering. One or two negative reviews shouldn’t make you nervous, but if all the reviews are negative, skip that dentist.
• Schedule a visit. Before you make an appointment, get a good look at the office. Consider how convenient the location will be for you when you need to get to appointments. Look at the cleanliness, bearing in mind that a dentist’s office needs to be sanitary to keep your child’s mouth healthy and clean. The dental team should be happy to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have.
• Ask plenty of questions. What services does the dentist offer? Is the practice open on limited hours or does it also serve as an emergency pediatric dentist? What is the dentist’s approach to preventative care? Make sure the dentist you choose has a philosophy and approach that aligns with yours.
• Assess the environment. Does the dentist have a kid-friendly office? Is it a place where your child could feel comfortable and relaxed? A pediatric dentist’s waiting room should feel fun and welcoming, and should put children at ease before they head into their checkups. If your child doesn’t feel comfortable, it’s probably not the right dentist.
• Take stock of the team. Do the people who greet you as you enter make you feel welcomed? Are the hygienists and dentists friendly? Do the front office and support staff willingly answer your questions, or do they seem annoyed? A dental staff that is impatient with your questions is likely to be impatient with an anxious child during a cleaning.
• Shop around. Visit at least three dental practices before making a decision. Take thorough notes and review them in order to make your decision. Look for a dentist who treats you and your child like family, seems interested in your child’s best interests, and is easy to talk to and understand. Ask for your child’s opinion and find the dentist that best suits both of you.

Brevard Health Alliance Can Help

If you are looking for a good pediatric dentist near Brevard County, or you need any other type of health service in the area, Brevard Health Alliance, Inc. is here for you. Brevard County’s only Federally Qualified Health Center, BHA offers extensive health care services on a sliding-fee scale, so that we can treat residents regardless of their ability to pay. We’re committed to providing an extraordinary quality of care for our patients in order to improve the health status of Brevard County. Our focus is on continually improving the quality and efficiency of our care, and on ensuring that every patient we serve is heard, encouraged, and respected. As your family health care provider, we strive to provide not just acute care but also preventive care and health care related education. Our board certified physicians, advanced practice nurse practitioners, and physician assistance provide primary care that includes well child checkups, well woman care, and physicals, along with chronic disease management. In fact, since 2005 we’ve provided not only primary care services, but also behavioral health services, dental services, diagnostic services, resource management services, pharmacy services, women’s health care and obstetrics, Hepatitis C and HIV services, extended hours pediatric walk-in care, and specialty referrals. For more information, to find a location, or to make an appointment, contact us through our website.