Keys to Choose the Best Dentist for Your Child

Choosing the best dentist for your child is a very important task, as they'll be the professional who'll take care of the health of your child's mouth for many years to come.

To take care of your child’s oral health, you need to take them to the dentist as soon as possible and ensure regular visits. But… do you know how to choose the best professional for your child? Recommendations from friends, family, or the web are always welcome. But there are other important factors to consider. In this article, we’ll share with you some keys to take into account when looking for the best dentist for your child.

The age range that your child’s dentist receives

When it comes to choosing a dentist, it’s best to opt for a pediatric dentist who takes care of oral health from early childhood to adolescence. A wide age range will prevent you from having to change professionals several times.

In addition, a dentist who has known your child from the time they’re small will be able to establish a greater bond of trust and affection, which will make visits more pleasant.

At the same time, a dentist who treats children of different ages will be able to take care of the oral health of all of your children. So, if you have several children, they can all go to the same dentist together.

How is your child treated?

Pay attention to the way the dentist behaves and communicates with your little one, as this is another key to consider. Look for a professional who works in a respectful, fun, and loving way and knows how to relate to children.

When dealing with pediatric patients, professional treatment and the way the doctor handles the consultation are very different from what happens when it involves an adult patient. Times tend to be shorter and, during the check-up, there will probably be moments for games or demonstrations.

What characterizes pediatric dentists is waiting, listening, and infinite patience.

It’s important that children can express how they feel about the treatment they’ll be receiving and that they’re eager to go to the dentist instead of being afraid. An understanding, respectful, and kind professional will surely make them feel more confident.

Watch how the dentist works!

Another aspect to consider when choosing the best dentist for your child is the way they work. Besides how you establish a bond with them, you should consider the details we’ll mention below:

How easy (or hard) it is to get an appointment

It’s important to take into account if the professional has a tight schedule, as it’s key that they have openings available when you want to schedule an appointment.

Knowing that you’ll be able to count on your child’s dentist every time you need them is a fundamental aspect when it comes to establishing a good professional bond.

Professional experience

Find out about their academic training, the specializations they’ve completed, and, above all, their ability to respond to your concerns with reason and using understandable language.

Knowing what they specialize in will be useful because, in the future, you may need these services without having to ask for a referral for another professional. For example, if the dentist specializes in orthodontics and your child needs braces, you can go directly to them to solve the problem.

Office Facilities

You should check to see if the dentist’s office is properly equipped. Check to see if it’s modern, clean, the temperature is appropriate, and the smell is pleasant for your child.

A spacious, comfortable waiting room with children’s décor and toys to play with while waiting for their appointment will add warmth to the space and make little ones feel welcome.

Some dental offices even have screens in front of their dental chair so that children can watch movies or series while they’re being treated. This way, they can be distracted and relax during the treatment.

Professional appearance

The way the dentist dresses is very important when working with children. The use of colorful jackets, with children’s motifs or even funny costumes or goggles, can help the professional to get even closer to the patient. It will also help the little one feel more comfortable and relaxed during the consultation.

What to do if you don’t like your child’s dentist?

It’s the patient’s and the health care professional’s right to choose who to see. So, if you or your child aren’t satisfied with the care received, it’s a good opportunity to consider changing pediatric dentists.

There are many reasons why a professional may not be suitable to take care of your child’s oral health. Here are some of them:

• Treatment takes longer than expected or no progress is seen. However, keep in mind that sometimes the care of children may take longer than with adults.
• The cost of treatment increases for no apparent reason.
• Appointments are frequently rescheduled or office hours are changed.
• The waiting time is too long for your child.
• Lack of hygiene, clutter, or dirt in the facility.
• You perceive a lack of communication with the professional, the treatment isn’t as expected, or you notice a lack of interest in your child.
• The child doesn’t feel safe, expresses fear of the professional, or refuses to be attended.

If you detect any of these problems, try to discuss them with the professional. If they can’t resolve them by means of respectful dialogue and the feeling of distrust increases, then it’s best to look for another dentist for your child.

Finding a pediatric dentist that provides your child and family with a sense of security is the most desirable scenario because, many times, we transmit our own anxiety to our children and this affects the professional relationship.

The best dentist for your child

When the first teeth appear in your baby’s mouth, before their first birthday, it’s important to make the first visit to the pediatric dentist. After that, they should continue with regular check-ups, at least every six months.

Regular visits make it possible to evaluate the growth and development of the mouth, the eruption of the teeth, and to detect any harmful habits or disease at an early stage. In addition, the dentist will be able to offer advice to parents on the oral care guidelines they should offer their children.

As you can see, from the time children are young, the dentist is part of their health care. That’s why it’s important to choose the best dentist for your child. Follow our advice and your child’s mouth will be in good hands.