Regular trips to the dentist are essential for keeping your child’s teeth in tip-top shape.
Even when they’re still tiny little things with only one or two teeth, you’ll need to find the best pediatric dentist in Hurst, TX to ensure that all their baby teeth grow into healthy adult teeth. But choosing a dentist for your child might take some time.
It’s an important decision, much like choosing a pediatric doctor for them, so you’ll want to bring them to the best of the best. Although the process might seem overwhelming, we’re here to help.
We’ve put together a list of some tips and tricks to help you choose the pediatric dentist that’s right for your child.
Continue reading below to find out more!
Licenses and Certification
As a pediatric dentist, there are licenses and certifications that you must possess. Before deciding on a pediatric dentist for your child, be sure that the dentist has all of the proper licenses and certifications to work with your child. The dentist should have completed a course in pediatric dentistry from an accredited school.
Please keep in mind that this is different than a regular dentist because you want someone who is qualified to work with children.
Aside from this, the dentist should also have the required license from your state allowing him or her to practice dentistry. In most cases, you can find these certificates in the dentist’s office near the front desk.
If you can’t find these certificates either on their website or in the office, don’t hesitate to ask the dentist to see them. When it comes to your child, you want to give them the best services possible and any pediatric dentist should understand this.
References and Reviews
You wouldn’t order a new outfit from an online site without reading the reviews first, would you? Just the same, you should take the time to ask for references and look at reviews before deciding on a dentist for your child.
Speak with other moms or dads in your child’s playgroup, your co-workers that are parents, and friends and family members who have children.
Other parents will have no trouble letting you know their opinions of local pediatric dentist offices. By asking around, you’ll get some feedback and recommendations. This is a great starting place.
Take all of the information that you find from your references and reviews and start creating a list of dentist offices that you’re considering.
Call the Office and Ask Questions
Once you have a solid list of the dentist offices that are worth looking into, you can begin calling these offices and asking them some questions.
The receptionist who answers the phone will be able to give you a rundown of the office’s procedures and policies. You’ll then want to ask them a few questions that’ll help you decide if they’re right for your child.
The following are several questions you can think about asking:
- What are the policies for parents to stay with the child during the visit?
- What’s in the office to help my child feel comfortable and calm?
- What happens during the initial visit?
- Are there emergency hours offered at this office?
After asking these questions and other questions of your own, if you feel like this office might be a good selection, then it’s time to request a visit!
Schedule a Visit and Get Acquainted
Ask the office if they’ll allow you to schedule a visit to meet with the staff and dentist to get acquainted. Coming in for a quick tour is a great way to get your child acquainted with both the dentist and office in general.
You can then get a feel for the office environment and see how they are with your child.
During your tour, look around for things that would make the office seem focused on children.
Some of these things include toys in the waiting room, bright colors, possible video games to play, televisions above the dentist chairs for distraction purposes, and more! You’ll be able to get an idea if the office is truly dedicated to working with children or not.
Watch Interactions and Check Off Your List
If all of these go well, then you can schedule your child’s first appointment. However, the decision-making process isn’t over yet. During your child’s first appointment, be sure to watch how the staff and dentist interact with your child.
Your child’s dentist might even show your child the different dental tools that he or she is going to use and then explain to them what the tool does and how it works.
This is a great way to get your little one feeling a bit more relaxed during the visit. Look for signs of this technique and others that the dentist does to make your child comfortable.
If everything goes well, then you’ve found yourself your forever pediatric dentist home!
You Need The Best Pediatric Dentist in Hurst, TX!
After reading these tips listed above, you now know what it takes to find the best pediatric dentist in Hurst, TX!
Here at Park Place, we’re dedicated to making your child feel welcomed and comfortable throughout the entire visit. We want you, your child, and the entire family to find your forever dentist home with us.
Are you ready to start taking care of those little teeth? Contact us today to schedule your first appointment and see how we can help your little one on their journey to healthy teeth!