Dental hygiene is essential for people of all ages, even our little ones. As soon as you spot your child’s first tooth, you should be prepared to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. Even if you already have a family dentist, you want to look into the available pediatric dentists near you.
A pediatric dentist has gone through extra training and schooling to understand how to provide dental services to young children. This is important for your child because it ensures a comfortable and safe environment for them. Before you choose any pediatric dentist, though, you will want to know how to find the right kids’ dentist for you.
There are several factors to consider during your search. Continue reading the guide below to know how to find a great pediatrician and keep your child’s oral health in tip-top shape!
Conduct a General Online Search
The first thing you can do is conduct a general online search for pediatric dentists near you. Get a good idea of what your options are. When looking into these dentists, pay close attention to the professionalism of their websites.
Take the time to browse through their websites and get a good feel for who the dentist is and what their practice is like. You should be able to find a good amount of information about the dentist on their website. Their websites could even answer a few questions you might have about them or their practice.
Read Reviews, Ask For References, and Find Referrals
Now you can begin to look at reviews, references, and referrals. While on the websites, try to find a section that lists patient reviews. If you can’t find this on their website, then search the pediatric dentist’s name on a review site to find more information.
Past patient reviews can tell you a lot about a dentist and what to expect from them. Then, contact each dentist you’re interested in and ask them to provide you with a few references. If they’re able to give you some references, then call each one and ask any questions you might have.
Would they recommend the pediatric dentist for your child? If so, then why?
Lastly, look to your friends, family, and co-workers for referrals. If you know anyone with children, then ask them what pediatric dentist office they take their children to and if they’d recommend that dentist.
Look For Pediatric Dentists in Your Network
During the initial stages of the search, be sure to find a few pediatric dentists who are covered under your insurance network. You can do this by contacting each one individually and asking if they accept your insurance. You can also contact your medical insurance and ask them if the pediatric dentist is in the network.
Another great idea is to start your search by asking your medical insurance to provide you with a list of pediatric dentists in your area who accept your insurance. You can then begin going through that list of dentists to narrow down your top options. If you do ever find a dentist who isn’t in your network, then another option you have is to ask the dentist about the different financing options they have available.
They may be able to work with you on a payment plan.
Schedule a Tour of the Facility
Once you begin to narrow down your list of the top pediatric dentists you’re considering, you should start scheduling office tours. Contact each dentist and ask to schedule a tour of the office. When you come in for the tour, be sure to bring your child with you.
Pay close attention to how the staff and the dentist interact with your child. Do they make the effort to ensure your child feels safe, comfortable, and welcomed? Does the office offer a child-friendly environment?
During this tour, you should take it as an opportunity to ask the dentist any questions you might have as well.
Come Prepared With a List of Questions
Always come prepared with a list of questions. You could have several different questions on your mind, but they can be easily forgotten once you arrive at the office if you don’t write them down. There are a few questions you’ll want to ask if you don’t already have them on your list.
For example, you should want to know what type of dental services the dentist offers. If you’re interested in different types of childrens braces, then can they offer a few different types?
You might also want to know if the dentist has a set of emergency hours or what their emergency appointment protocols are. If your child were to break a tooth while playing over the weekend, then can the dentist help you?
Write down these questions plus any others you might have.
Check the Pediatric Dentist’s Qualifications
A pediatric dentist will go through extra training and schooling to become qualified to provide dental health services to children. A pediatric dentist is not the same as a general dentist. If the dentist is truly a pediatric dentist, then they’ll have the qualifications to prove that.
Never hesitate to ask the dentist to show you proof of all their qualifications, certifications, licenses, and more. Check the dates on all the documents as well to ensure everything is up to date.
Have You Found the Best Pediatric Dentist For Your Child?
After reading through this guide, we hope you’re able to find the best pediatric dentist for your child. Remember to keep this guide handy while conducting your research. When you find a reputable and trustworthy pediatric dentist, you can give yourself some peace of mind knowing your child’s oral health is in good hands.
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