Finding the right dentist for your child isn’t something you should take lightly. The last thing you want to do is choose someone who doesn’t have your child’s best interest in mind. You need to find a dentist that’ll provide you with excellent care and one you can trust.

Knowing how to choose a dentist for your child starts right here. In this guide below, we discuss a few different ways you can learn how to pick a good dentist and how to decide which ones might not be the best fit for your family. If you need to choose a pediatric dentist, then you’ll want to continue reading below.

Here’s everything you need to know to aid you in choosing a dentist for your child!

Ask About Experience

Depending on where you’re located, there might be a few different pediatric dentists to choose from. To start your search, you can call around to the different dentist offices and ask them about the experience they have working with children.

Working with children is much different than working with adults. You’ll want to find a dentist and an office that has experience specifically with working with children. You can then ask about how many years of experience they have in the dental field and what types of credentials they have as well.

Bring Your Child for a Tour

Another great way to get your child used to the dentist’s office and give them a chance to see how they get along with the dentist is to call and schedule a meet and greet or tour with the office. Ask the office if you can come in before scheduling your child’s first appointment.

Bring your child with you and pay close attention to how the dentist and the staff communicate with you and your child. Do they make your child feel comfortable? Does the office provide the type of environment your child needs?

It should be inviting to all young children, and the staff should be friendly. There should be things to keep your child busy or distracted while having cleanings or work done on their mouths, such as fun and colorful paintings on the walls to look at or TVs overhead to watch.

Pay close attention to how your child responds to the office and feels after leaving as well.

Consider The Location of the Office

The location of the office is another thing to take into consideration. Because this dentist is for your child, you’ll want the office to be in a location that’s convenient for you. Will you need something close to your child’s school, your home, or close to your job?

How quickly can you get there for an emergency and how long will it take you to get there during rush-hour traffic? Don’t let the location be the main factor when deciding on a dentist for your child, but do take this into consideration.

Inquire About Emergency or Extended Hours

Another thing to look into is office hours. Can you work around these hours? Will you be able to schedule your child an appointment before or after work or school. Do they have extended hours or evening hours?

You should inquire about emergency hours as well. If your child were to chip their tooth will the dentist be able to schedule them in as soon as possible? Make sure to call and ask these questions before making a final decision.

Ensure They Accept Your Insurance

It’s also important to ensure they accept your insurance as well. You can contact your insurance provider and ask them what dentist offices are covered in your plan. Once you find a dentist you love, be sure to contact your insurance and make sure this dentist is in the network.

If the dentist isn’t in your insurance network, you can still bring your child to them. Be aware that you’ll have to pay for your child’s appointments out of pocket. If this is something you’re considering, then you might want to ask about different financing options.

Look at Reviews and Ask Your Friends

Two great tools for finding a dentist you can trust for your child are reviews and friends. Head online and do a search for the dentist you’re considering bringing your child to. What do the reviews say about them?

These reviews could be a good indicator of what to expect for your own child. You should also ask your friends with children who they take their kids to. If your friends know and trust a pediatric dentist, then you’ll feel more confident bringing your child to them.

Ask for Several Referrals

A reputable dentist will have a few referrals to give you. All you must do is ask them to ask for them. Once the dentist gives you some to call, make sure you take the time to call each one of them.

Ask each referral about their own experience with that particular dentist. Let them tell you the good and the bad. You can then make an informed decision for your child.