Has your child started showing off their first tooth? Perhaps they’re about to reach their first birthday. Unfortunately, tooth decay affects about one in five children under the age of five. If their first tooth has erupted, make sure to schedule their first-ever dentist appointment! It’s not always easy to find the perfect kid’s dentist, though. Finding the right Nashville dentist can set your child’s oral health up for success. You can minimize the risk of tooth decay, dental anxiety, and gum disease with help from an experienced dentist.
Searching for a pediatric dentist in Nashville? Here are eight tips that can help.
With these tips, you can find the best Nashville dentist for kids with your child’s oral health and needs in mind. The right dentist will put your child at ease. They’ll help your child recognize the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene, too.
Set your child’s smile up for success! Discover how to find the best Nashville pediatric dentistry practice with these tips today.
1. Talk to Local Parents
Talk to people you already know and trust. Ask the local parents in your inner circle if they can recommend a Nashville pediatric dentistry practice. Use their recommendations to start creating a list.
As you begin talking to other parents, take the time to learn about their experience with each kids’ dentist. They could help you gather insights that aren’t available online.
For example, you can ask about their child’s first dentist appointment. Perhaps you want to learn more about the dentist instead. Are they friendly and able to put children at ease?
Ask about the dental practice, too. Are the exam rooms and waiting areas designed with kids in mind? A kid-friendly environment could put your child at ease before their first appointment.
You can also ask about the hygienists. Are they friendly and professional? Were they able to answer any questions the parents had?
Learn as much as you can from the parents you speak with. Determine if any of them have experienced problems with a local dentist, too. Then, you’ll know which Nashville dentist for kids to avoid as well.
If your inner circle can’t make recommendations, that’s okay. Start searching online instead. You can Google “best Nashville dentist for kids” to get started.
2. Check Credentials
Once you have a list of Nashville pediatric dentistry offices, learn more about each one.
Look into each Nashville dentist by looking for an “About Us” page on their website. Check their Healthgrades.com profile, too. Learn more about their education and training.
First, determine where they received their education. Consider how long ago they graduated from an accredited dental school as well. If it was a few decades ago, look for professionals that continued their education.
Dentists that prioritize continuing their education remain up-to-date regarding technologies, trends, and procedures. These dentists will know the latest techniques to ensure a higher standard of care. They’ll know how to minimize risks when treating patients, too.
While you’re online, make sure to review each dentist’s credentials. Make sure they’re board-certified to practice. If their credentials aren’t up-to-date, scratch that dentist off your list.
Make sure to choose a Nashville dentist who has the training and expertise necessary to treat your child.
3. Look for Experience
There are over 1,082,000 dentists across the US. Each dentist will have different levels of experience, though. If you want to find the best pediatric dentist in Nashville, look for an experienced professional.
Determine how long each dentist has practiced. Consider how long they’ve specialized as a kid’s dentist, too. You’ll want to find someone with years of hands-on experience treating children.
After all, people learn by doing. An experienced pediatric dentist in Nashville will know how to put your child at ease.
They’ll also have a better understanding of child development and psychology.
A dentist who previously specialized in treating adults, on the other hand, might lack the experience and know-how you’re looking for. They might neglect certain aspects of your child’s oral health.
Finding someone with years of hands-on experience in Nashville pediatric dentistry will give you peace of mind.
4. Read Reviews
If you want to learn more about each pediatric dentist in Nashville, learn from parents who were once in your position. Take the time to read online reviews. You can find reviews on each dentist’s:
- Website
- Better Business Bureau profile
- Healthgrades.com profile
- Google My Business listing
Try to read a handful of reviews from each directory. Look for comments about the dentist’s professionalism.
You might find one or two negative comments. That’s normal. If you find an abundance of negative reviews, however, scratch them off your list.
Look for a dentist who has a strong, positive reputation in the area.
5. Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation appointment with two or three dentists on your list.
Consider where the office is located. You might want to find a practice near your home or child’s school.
Consider the environment as well. Make sure it’s kid-friendly. A welcoming, engaging environment can make your child feel more comfortable.
Make a list of questions you want to ask the dentist during your consultation appointment.
6. Consider Comfort
During the consultation appointment, consider the dentist’s demeanor. Are they easy to talk to? Do they put you at ease?
If you’re not comfortable around the dentist, chances are your child won’t feel comfortable, either.
7. Review Their Services
Take the time to learn more about the services each Nashville dentist offers. Discuss prevention, too. How will they help prevent tooth decay before it can occur?
Make sure each dentist offers teeth cleaning services. Consider fluoride treatments and dental sealants for your child as well.
8. Consider Cost and Insurance
Determine which local dentistry practices accept your insurance. If they don’t fall within your plan, that’s okay. Ask about payment plans instead.
Don’t choose the cheapest Nashville pediatric dentistry practice on your list. Instead, choose a practice that offers the services your child needs. Find a dentist your child will feel comfortable around, too.
Review your notes to make an informed decision before scheduling your child’s first appointment.
Sparkling Smiles: 8 Tips for Finding the Best Nashville Dentist for Your Kids
Finding the best Nashville dentist for your child doesn’t have to feel challenging. Instead, use these tips to start your search. With these tips, you’ll have an easier time narrowing down your options.
Then, you can schedule your child’s first appointment feeling confident in your choice.
Eager to schedule your child’s first appointment? We can’t wait to see you both.
Contact us today to get started.