The majority of children in the United States see the dentist at least once per year. Approximately 10 percent, though, have not had an appointment with the dentist for several years, if at all.
There are many reasons why parents forgo taking their child to the dentist. A common reason is that the child suffers from severe dental anxiety.
One of the best ways to quell anxiety and help children get the care they need is to work with a pediatric dentist.
Read on to learn some tips that will help you find the best pediatric dentist Arlington TX has to offer.
Why Find a Pediatric Dentist?
In addition to minimizing dental anxiety, there are several other benefits that come with finding a pediatric dentist for your child. Some of these benefits include:
- Pediatric dentists specialize in children’s teeth and are more familiar with the dental issues that affect children
- Pediatric dentists use smaller equipment that’s more comfortable for children
- Pediatric dentist offices are often more “kid-friendly”
- Pediatric dentists focus on preventative care and will teach you and your child the skills needed to keep teeth clean and healthy
Whether you’re planning for your child’s first visit to the dentist ever or their first visit in a long time, a pediatric dentist can make the experience much more enjoyable for both of you.
Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist
There are lots of benefits that come with taking your child to see a pediatric dentist. The key, though, is not to choose just any pediatric dentist. Instead, you need to do some digging to find the right dentist for your child’s specific needs.
The following are some tips that will help you sort through all the pediatric dentists out there and find the best one for your child:
Ask for Recommendations
When you’re shopping around for a pediatric dentist for your child, it’s best to start by seeking recommendations from people you trust.
If you have friends or family members who have children, reach out and ask them which pediatric dentist they see. Be sure to ask, too, how they like this dentist and whether they’d recommend their services to another parent.
Make a list of the dentists recommended to you, then do a bit more research to figure out which one is right for your child.
Look for Comprehensive Care
It’s best to find a pediatric dentist who provides comprehensive care. They should offer a wide range of pediatric dental services. That way, you won’t have to visit multiple dentists in order to address all of your child’s potential dental issues.
Look for a dentist who also offers orthodontic care or has an orthodontist available in their practice. That way, if your child needs braces when they’re older, you’ll know where to go.
Think About the Location
Nobody wants to drive miles and miles to get their child to the dentist, especially if that child is feeling anxious about the experience.
Try to find a pediatric dentist whose office is close to your home. That way, your child won’t have a lot of time in the car to get worked up about their visit.
This also helps minimize stress for you since you won’t have to worry about sitting in traffic and being late for your child’s appointments.
Ask About Availability
Look for a pediatric dentist with office hours that suit your schedule and your child’s schedule.
It’s best if they offer early morning hours so your child can visit them before school or afternoon and evening hours so your child can visit once school and various activities are over.
It’s also a good idea to look for a dentist who can fit you in relatively quickly. This is especially important if it’s been a long time since your child’s last appointment. The sooner they can get in and have their teeth cleaned, the better.
Assess the Office
Before you decide to work with a particular pediatric dentist, you might want to take a quick tour of their office.
Pay attention to the feel of the office and look for indicators that it is a kid-friendly place. There should be bright colors and fun pictures on the walls, as well as plenty of toys and activities to keep kids entertained.
As with any dentist office, the facility should also be clean and well-organized.
Consider the Staff
Consider your interactions with the staff, too. Are they friendly and helpful? Do they answer your questions easily or direct you to people who can answer them?
If possible, try to arrange to talk with the dentist as well as the folks who work at the front desk. This will help you get a better idea of how well your child will do when they arrive for their appointment.
Ask About Insurance and Affordability
Lots of parents wait too long to take their child to the dentist. This is especially true of parents with lower incomes.
If you’ve been putting off taking your child to the dentist because of the price of treatment, check to see what your insurance provider will cover.
Ask about the cost of treatment without insurance, too, and ask if they offer any kind of payment plan to help offset the cost.
You might also want to ask if they offer any kind of special offer or discount to new patients.
The Best Pediatric Dentist Arlington TX Has to Offer
Now that you know more about the importance of working with a pediatric dentist and how you can find a great one for your kids, are you ready to begin your search?
If you live in or around the Arlington area, you won’t have to look very far.
Park Place Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is home to the best pediatric dentist Arlington TX has to offer.
Our doctors are experts in all things related to pediatric dentistry and offer a wide range of personalized services for infants, teenagers, and everyone in between.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child.