Choosing the right pediatric dentist for your child should be a little more intricate than simply opening up the Yellow Pages and selecting from a list of names in your area. You need to know that your child and their oral health are going to be in good hands each and every time they have an examination or a cleaning. So, how should you choose the right dentist for your child? Take a look at some of the considerations to keep in mind to ensure that the chair your child sits in for their oral needs is the right one for them.

Does the dentist specialize in working with children? – A pediatric dentist not only specializes in knowing the oral health and structure of children’s mouths, but they typically have an understanding of how to make children as comfortable as they can be.

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Is their office child friendly? – A fun, kid-friendly environment helps to ease the tension that your child can have when they visit the dentist. Toys, prizes after a visit and fun posters to look at make the dentist’s office seem more inviting than a traditional, formal dental office.

Do they offer around the clock calls from patients? – With kids accidents can happen at any time of the day. Chipping a tooth or knocking one out can leave moms and dads wanting to get help at all hours of the weekend or night, so you want a dentist that is disposable at the most crucial moments.

Do they offer a free initial consultation? – A free initial consultation is a great way for moms, dads and kids to get to know the dentist, their staff and their office before actually scheduling an official appointment for an exam. This allows you to ask questions, let your child get acquainted to the environment and really determine whether or not this is the right dentist for your little one. This is also a perfect opportunity to get a feel for the staff, including the dentist, that will be working with your child. Friendly and welcoming attitudes can only help to make your child’s experience better and get them excited about taking care of their teeth. 

What do other parents have to say about the dentist and their office? – Use the internet to look up reviews for this particular dentist and their office from other patients who have had first-hand experience with them. Another great resource is to ask the moms in your mommy group, parents from your child’s school or even neighbors with kids.

When you find the right pediatric dentist San Diego office you will certainly know. After your child’s first visit you will feel confident in their ability to work with children and their methods of ensuring that your child’s teeth and mouth are kept healthy. The Yellow Pages only offers you a name and a phone number, you need to know so much more about your child’s dentist!