How To Choose A Pediatric Dentist: Quick Guide
It doesn’t matter if your child has brand new teeth or has a set of pearly whites; they should receive regular dental care with a dentist that they trust and that they are comfortable with. This will ensure that as she grows, she will maintain good oral health. This is also why it’s the utmost of importance to choose a pediatric dentist that is competent and compassion towards their patients.
Pediatric dentist have completed between 2-3 years of training, and this is in addition to attending dental school. They are knowledgeable when it comes to child psychology, development, and growth. When you bring your children to a pediatric dental clinic, then you can expect the staff to be warm and welcoming, as well as the dentist being warm and welcoming.
Many pediatric dental clinics, like this pediatric dentist Abbotsford, have popular games for kids to play in the waiting room, as well as children-size play equipment and other forms of entertainment, such as toys and books. Besides that, kids are often given sunglasses during an exam, which are designed to protect kids’ eyes from bright lights. To make the visit less scary for the children, children’s’ shows are usually played on televisions throughout the dental clinic, and at the end of the visit, the young patients typically receive items such as toothbrushes with characters.
If you want to locate a pediatric dental clinic in your area, then ask other parents or ask for a referral from your child’s pediatrician. Your dentist might be able to tell you where to go. Other good resources include family doctors and local pharmacist. If you are moving to a new area, then you can ask your current dentist or your child’s dentist if they can give you a referral for a dentist operating in the area you’re moving to.
Another way to find a pediatric dental clinic is going to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s website. Perform a search for pediatric dentists and then follow the instructions.
For children with special needs, they may need additional support. This means you’ll need to find a dentist that is compassionate, patient and has experience with working with children with special needs. When you speak with potential dentists, ask them how they handle difficult situations with kids when they arise and inquire about the experience they possess, as well as whether or not they have experience working in a hospital setting. This is because some children need extensive dental treatment, and they may need to be treated in a similar way they would be treated at a hospital.
What Happens If You Can Find A Pediatric Dental Clinic
Not every region is going to have a pediatric dental clinic. If this happens to you, then ask neighbors, coworkers and other parents if they know of any dental clinics in the area. If all else fails, then go to a general dentist. Many general dentists don’t have any issues with treating kids, and they are comfortable providing treatment to children.
Finding a general dentist is very easy. However, make sure the general dentist you choose is patient and has sufficient experience working with kids. They need to have experience with calming young patients down, and they should be familiar with child development.
Evaluate The Office
When you finally find a dentist, the next thing is to meet with them in person. Evaluate their office, too. Also, there are a few questions you’ll want to ask them. These questions include:
. Do you have special training for working with kids?
. Are you a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry or the American Dental Association?
. Do you accept my dental benefit plan?
. How do you and your office handle emergencies involving dental issues?
After you visit the dentist, there are other questions to keep in mind. These questions include:
. Was your child seen right away?
. Were you and your child treated with courtesy and respect?
. Did your child have a positive experience?
If you answer yes to all of those questions, then you should stick with that pediatric dentist.
How To Prepare Your Child For The First Visit To The Dentist
Parents have often wondered when their child’s first visit to the dentist should be and when it is too early to go. The truth is that children should see a dentist once the first tooth appears or once they celebrate their first birthday. Getting a children’s dentist involved in your child’s oral health ensures that their teeth will grow healthy and that they practice proper oral care from the time they are young. Children who develop good habits in their formative years are more likely to retain those habits as teens and adults.
The first visit to the dentist is also a way for parents to learn how to care for their child’s teeth and determine the proper amount of fluoride intake that is considered safe for the child based on his age.
To ensure that your child receives the best quality dental care and attention, there are specific steps you need to take before taking him for his first dental appointment. Being prepared will also reduce his anxiety and worry. Here are tips you can use.
1. Find the right dentist.
Identifying the right professional to assist your child is critical for ensuring that your child does not only receive the proper dental care, he is also able to build a strong foundation for excellent dental health for the rest of his life.
To find the best children’s dentist, go for referrals from family members, friends, and your pediatrician. People with young children of their own could probably provide you with a good lead, as well as other medical professionals. You could also look for dental practitioners in your locality. A local dentist, for example, may also be qualified to treat children or could refer you to the right professional.
Once you have a list of dentists, make an appointment for an ocular inspection of their clinics. In most cases, you could tell a lot about a dental practice by the way the clinics are run. Is it clean and hygienic? Are the staff friendly and capable of dealing with children? Is the ambiance right for a young child? You could also inquire about the dentists’ experience with young patients.
2. Schedule your first visit.
Prior to setting an appointment, make sure to ask the dentist what you should do to prepare your child for his first visit. Most children are terrified of strangers and may not be too happy about being examined by a dentist. Make sure to prepare your child for the visit. Talk to him about the necessity of seeing a dental professional and answer all his questions to help assure him. If the child knows what to expect, he is less likely to be uncooperative, fearful, or worst, throw a tantrum. If your child shows a high level of anxiety, however, you might want to consider rescheduling your appointment.
3. Know your expectations.
The first visit to a children’s dentist is all about building the foundation of good oral health. On your child’s first visit, the dentist will evaluate his teeth, gums, and jaw, and assess his bite and other oral issues to identify any problems that need improvement. Depending on the condition of your child’s dental health, the dentist might perform a cleaning or if required, probably an x-ray.
The children’s dentist will also discuss with you how to work with your child to maintain/improve his oral health. You will be informed about oral development, tooth decay, risk factors that lead to cavities, and other dental problems. Your dentist will also discuss ways you and your child can take care of his teeth at home.
If you have questions, you would like to ask, write them down so you can discuss your concerns.
4. Don’t miss important details.
Ask the dentist when the next appointment should be. Children should have a regular, twice-yearly visit to their dentist. If your child was given the all-clear, he might be asked to return after six months.
It is also a good idea to ask how to get in touch with the dentist in case of an emergency, especially one that requires urgent care.
5. Be a good example yourself.
Children tend to imitate their parents’ habits. When they see you practice regular oral care, they will follow your example.
When children develop good oral habits early, they will reap the benefits of this practice when they are older. Guide them in making the right decisions about their health now so they can avoid painful and costly dental procedures in the future, and maintain good personal hygiene and confidence over the years.
Keep on Smiling!
Thank you for visiting the web site of Dr. Benson H. Wong, DDS. It is our top priority to provide our patients with the highest quality orthodontic care, in our comfortable, family friendly, state-of-the-art office. Dr. Wong and his staff specialize in orthodontic treatment for adults and children, including: Invisalign invisible braces, clear ceramic braces, TMJ treatment and SureSmile technology for a straighter smile in length of time.
Our mission is to always treat patients with integrity and respect while delivering a higher level of service. We care about our patients and go the extra mile to ensure they are receiving the best treatment with the most care and concern for their wellbeing. We look forward to working with you, and helping you achieve a lifetime of brighter smiles!