There are phrases in the English vocabulary that bring fear to children eyes….”eat all your vegetables, including the brussels sprouts” OR “I don’t have time to change out of my pink bathrobe, because I have to drive you to school so you won’t be late” OR “we have to take you to the dentist today”.
Sometimes children (and adults) have a fear of visiting the dentist and the possible (if any) pain they think they might endure. Pediatric dentists serve the oral health needs and issues for children from infancy through adolescence. They can provide advanced and specialty-level care for infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs. Choosing a pediatric dentist is one of the first important steps for oral health that will help to establish proper oral hygiene and care for children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend a dental visit for children by age one.
When considering a pediatric dentist the following factors should be considered:
- Is the dentist a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry?
- Does the pediatric dentist keep current through continuing education classes and/or attendance at conferences, seminars, etc.?
- Does the pediatric dentist’s professional/personal manner put you and your child at ease?
- Is the staff friendly, knowledgeable and quick in addressing your child’s needs and your concerns?
- Is the dental office child-centric? (Do they offer child-sized furniture and instruments, decorations, handouts, entertainment/distraction options for children of different ages, etc?)
- What is the practice’s policy on parents staying with their children during treatment? (Some pediatric dental offices require parents to accompany their children in order to educate parents and help reassure nervous children. Other offices encourage children to return for treatment on their own in order for the pediatric dental team to focus exclusively on the child and begin building a sense of trust right away.) What policy makes you and your child most comfortable?
- Does the practice accept your dental insurance?
- Were you properly informed about your child’s tooth development and given prevention and at-home dental care education?
- Were your questions and concerns (and those of your child) treated with respect and sensitivity and answered in an age-appropriate, reassuring manner?
- For families with multiples: Is the dentist familiar with the oral health or needs for multiples? Is the dentist comfortable treating multiples? Tips or suggestions for oral care for families with multiples?
Live in Central Florida? Some pediatric dentists that have been recommended by families with children (from infants to adolescence) and families with multiples are listed here: http://www.examiner.com/parenting-multiples-in-orlando/tips-and-recommendations-for-choosing-a-pediatric-dentist
Want to find a pediatric dentist in your zip code that is a member of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry? Type in your zip code here: http://www.aapd.org/finddentist/search.asp
Joscelyn, Owner of Mami of Multiples & Mami Innovative Media
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I so APPRECIATE this post! I have a 10 month old son & was wondering when I should take him to the dentist. Great checklist for parents, especially newbies like me.
It’s so important to know how to chose medical professionals for children. Great info.
Thank you for the information. Wonderful tips and resources.
Thanks for this post – making sure parents are informed when considering anyone in the medical profession is very important.
Good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your posts. I’ll be subscribing and visiting often.
Choosing the right dentist is very important and your post gives very useful tips for things to consider while selecting the pediatric dentist.
Its my pleasure to see your post here the idea you share is more useful for me. Keep on posting!
One of my sister’s finally started up her own clinic as a dentist in Medicine Hat, so I’m mentally checking through this to see if I would pick her if I lived there. I think she would be perfect!
This is a really helpful post, I am the father of three small children, and I was at a loss of where to take them to the dentist. I like your tip about checking the office’s policy on parents accompanying their child to appointment. I had never thought about that before, but I will certainly ask now, thanks!