6 Questions to Ask to Find the Best Kid’s Dentist

Finding the best kid’s dentist is of utmost importance for a parent or caregiver. Good oral health contributes to a kid’s overall health and well being, not to mention self esteem and confidence.

Here are some questions to ask to determine if you’ve found the best kid’s dentist for your child.

Where is the dentist located?

In order to be the best dentist for your child, the dentist ought to be conveniently located. This is helpful for two reasons. First, you will be more likely to visit on a regular basis if the office is easy to get to. Second, if there is a dental emergency, being closer to the dentist will get your child started on the best treatment sooner, which is especially important if a tooth is knocked out prematurely.

Is the office geared to children?

While there is a pediatric dentist on staff, is the office itself geared towards children? Do they like to visit? Are there things to see and play with? Having them look forward to visiting the office will go a long way towards making kids feel comfortable about visiting the dentist in general and help you feel you’ve found the best solution.

Beyond the dentist, how kid-friendly is the rest of the staff?

If your child is older, does the staff greet him or her? Do they make eye contact and make them feel welcome and comfortable? From the beginning, your kid’s dental experience should be a pleasant one. As you move into the visit itself, is the hygienist also friendly with your kid, along with the dentist? It’s important that all the adults really focus on your kid to help ensure their nervousness is kept to a minimum so you know you’ve found the best place for your kid’s dental needs.

Is the dental staff patient with your questions?

Do you feel rushed or that your questions are adequately answered and the staff is taking care of making sure you have good information?

Does the dental office provide you with good preventative information?

It’s crucial that you and your kid practice good preventive care in between dental appointments and even before the first teeth appear. Is the staff providing you with the information you need to help make sure your kid’s dental health will be the best it can be?

Are they easy to work with for paperwork and other administrative needs?

Is it easy to book an appointment? If you need to change an appointment, are they accommodating? Do they help you understand your insurance dental benefits?

If a pediatric dental office does well with all these criteria, then you really have found the best kid’s dentist for you and your child.