Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Child

These days, going to the dentist is probably something you do out of habit. As a child, though, the dentist seemed like the scariest person on earth, ready to do all sorts of dreadful things to your precious teeth. The worst part is that you couldn't even see what they were doing inside of your mouth. That's the same kind of fear and uncertainty your child is probably experiencing each time you bring him or her to the dentist.

However, dental check-ups don't have to be stressful–both for you and your kid. How can you help your child become more comfortable with the idea of visiting the dentist? Besides sitting your child down and reassuring them, the most important thing you can do is to look for a professional pediatric dentist in Brisbane. But how do you go about doing that? If you're not sure what you need to do, then keep reading for some basic tips.

Why You Need a Paediatric Dentist

Don't make the mistake of assuming that your regular dentist can take care of your child's dental care needs. For one thing, paediatric dentists are specially trained so that they can address your growing child's specific concerns. Paediatric dentists undergo two to three more years of training specifically focused on understanding and working with a child's physical, emotional, and mental needs But besides knowing the differences between a child and an adult's teeth, they also know how to properly interact with children. A general dentist's straightforward way of explaining things could end up making a child feel incredibly uncomfortable. On the other hand, a paediatric dentist has the capability of calming down even the most frightened child using a warm and friendly approach. Paediatric dentists also invest in equipment specifically designed for children, taking into account their smaller physical stature. Their offices are decorated to be welcoming for any child, which are more appealing than the clinical and bare set-up of general dental clinics.

How to Find the Right Paediatric Dentist

Consider the Most Important Factors
1. How close is the dentist's office to your home, workplace, or your child's school? The more convenient it is for you to go there, the more likely your check-ups will push through. Additionally, many children can't stand long car rides. The faster you can get to the clinic, the less cranky or anxious your child will be.

2. Does this dentist have all of the credentials you're expecting? Remember: a paediatric dentist requires additional years of training. Make doubly sure that they really are accredited with whatever organisations they are affiliated with. Unfortunately, in the online age, it's surprisingly easy to make work experience up, so it pays to play it safe. Also, consider how much the dentist charges for his or her services. Are you willing to pay a higher price for better service, or are your options limited in terms of budget?

3. What are the clinic's office hours? Even if you find a place near you, it'll be hard to go for your child's check-ups if they are open for a limited time. Make sure to find one that has a schedule compatible with your schedule as well as that of your child's.

Do As Much Research as You Can

1. Try searching the internet for some dental clinics near you. Does the dentist have his very own website or a personal profile on a reputable online directory? Does their site or profile look well made and easy to navigate, or is it full of typos and errors? Does it have all of the information that you're looking for? Watch out for these subtle signs, as they can tell you a lot about how careful they are with their practice.
2. Ask your friends and family for referrals. They may know a great paediatric dentist in your area. It's also highly unlikely that they would send you to a dentist that they had a bad experience with. On that note, they'll be able to steer you away from any dentists that they found unprofessional.

3. Reach out to former clients, if possible, especially if the dentist provides testimonials about his or her services. This is a good way to confirm whether or not the feedback is true. You could also try joining parenting forums to ask if other people have had any experience with the dentist in question. You may be surprised at some of the feedback you'll get.

Visit the Dental Clinic for Yourself

1. Get to know the dentist. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. If the dentist can answer all of your questions, this means that they've got the knowledge and expertise you want for your child. If they're more focused on selling you services you don't need, that may be a sign that they only have their own interests in mind.

2. Take a good look at the clinic itself. Does it look like it has been customised to be more suitable for children? Is it clean and tidy? Is the dentist using the latest available technology, or are they using equipment that is outdated? Are there books or toys available for the child in the waiting room?

3. Observe the dentist and staff's speech and body language. Is the dentist polite and approachable when addressing your concerns? Does the staff exude a warm and friendly personality? If they constantly frown, tap their foot, or seem impatient and annoyed, they may not have the patience to take good care of your child.

Finding the right dentist may take a lot of time and effort, but it'll be more than worth it in the end. The most important thing is to make sure that your child can feel safe and comfortable in the dentist's office. At the same time, you want to get only the best quality dental care for your little one, too. Your child will thank you for it.