A pediatric dentist is a dentist who has received specialized training to treat children from infancy to adolescence. A dentist for children can perform most aspects of dentistry, including preventive care and restorative care. There are a large number of dentists for children available. Understanding how to find the one with which you and your child are comfortable is the best way to put your child on the path to good oral health.
Insurance
If you have dental insurance, your insurance provider is a great place to start looking for a dentist for your child. Insurance companies usually have an extensive list of providers they deem appropriate for their network. Choosing to contact the dentists within your insurance network will also save you money since most insurance companies work out plans with each dentist regarding the costs they can charge.
Friends and Family
Word-of-mouth is always a great way to get a referral. Ask around to family members or friends in the area with children. Most people will readily talk about their dental experiences with their children and will either rave about their dentist or tell you to steer clear. Getting the experience from someone else is the best way to find out what a dentist is really like.
Internet
The Internet is a wealth of information. You can perform a search online for a pediatric dentist and then read the reviews on each dentist to see what others think. There are many third-party websites people leave reviews on, allowing you to see unbiased reviews the dental practice has no control over.
Talking to the Dentist
Once you have compiled a short list of two or three dentists, it is time to consult with them. You only want what is best for your child, which makes taking the time to find a qualified pediatric dentist you and your child are comfortable with an important task.
Have a list of questions ready for the dentist. As you consult with him or her, listen to the answers to your questions but also watch how he or she interacts with your child. Dental care is sometimes scary or overwhelming for children. You want to ensure your child is completely comfortable with the pediatric dentist you choose so dental care becomes a routine part of your child’s life, rather than a traumatic experience they do not want to relive.