Finding the best pediatric dentist in your area can be a daunting task. With so many to choose from, it’s hard to know who is best for your child. It doesn’t have to be this way, though!
Whether it’s an emergency or just a routine cleaning, there are some things you should be looking for to make sure that you’re choosing the best pediatric dentist near you.
Keep reading to learn more about how to find the best dentist for children in your area.
Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations
Some of us have busy schedules making it hard to visit the best pediatric dentist on our own. Try getting recommendations from friends and family first before choosing a dentist. You can start by asking fellow parents. Ask parents at the waiting room of your child’s pediatrician or even other parents at your church.
You may also want to ask your child’s teacher or daycare provider if they know of a good dentistry practice in the area that has treated their kids before. If not, try asking other parents at your child’s school to see who they recommend.
Search Online for Reviews of Local Dentists
Picking a dentist before getting an idea of what other people experienced at their office isn’t a good idea. One of the best ways to find a pediatric dentist is by searching online for reviews. You can search on sites like Yelp and Google using your location. You can also look up specific dental offices in your area on Facebook and check out their reviews.
Some things to consider when looking at dentist reviews online include:
- If the reviews are recent
- How many reviews there are
- What people say about specific dentists at that dental office
- If there are any complaints about pain, billing, or customer service
Make Sure You Choose a Certified and Accredited Dentist
The best pediatric dentist is one that has gone through the proper certification and accreditation process. To become a licensed dental practitioner, dentists must first get their degree in dentistry. This degree must come from an accredited university or college.
After graduating, they take an exam administered by The American Dental Association (or ADA) Foundation. Some move forward with extra training as needed in specialties such as pediatrics.
Candidates who pass can then apply to take part in supervised clinical experience. Some do this before taking another licensing examination. Pediatricians learn how to care specifically for children’s needs.
Don’t be afraid to inquire about how long they have been in practice and their qualifications, such as a degree from an accredited dental school and membership to a professional organization like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
Find Out if They Accept Your Insurance
If you are looking for the best pediatric dentist near you, ask them if they accept your insurance. The best pediatric dentists will be more than happy to work with the provider of your choice. Some will even coordinate a payment plan that best fits your needs, whether it’s Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
It’s best to find out before your child has an appointment with the dentist, so you don’t have any surprises. At Kentuckiana Pediatric Dentistry, we accept most insurances. This includes Kentucky Medicaid and KCHIP!
The Best Pediatric Dentist Is an Informed Dentist
An informed pediatric dentist has a current license and continuing education credits, stays abreast of new technology, and attends meetings for their respective dental organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
The best pediatric dentists will also help their patients understand the basics of dental care. In addition, they should be able to provide a clear explanation of whatever treatment your child needs to both you and your child.
How Clean Is Their Office?
The best pediatric dentists will also have an immaculate office. This means that the best pediatric dentists will have pristine equipment, surfaces, and chairs.
This is not to say that a dentist with a cluttered waiting room or whose instruments are visibly dirty is unprofessional. But, cleanliness does raise questions about their attention to detail, which could be vital for you and your child’s care.
How Well Does the Pediatric Dentist Interact With Kids?
When selecting a dentist for kids, it’s essential to find someone good with children. Ironically enough, not all pediatric dentists are great with kids. If your child has special needs, it’s even more crucial you find a pediatric dentist with a high level of patience.
Choose a dentist who has both patience and compassion when dealing with their younger patients. The best pediatric dentists focus on anxiety-free dental care. The best pediatric dentist will be comfortable and engaging with the child.
They’ll make a special effort to establish trust by listening carefully to what you have to say and asking questions in return. This level of patience can make all the difference in how your child feels coming out of an appointment instead of being traumatized by one!
Are You Comfortable With Their Treatment Plans and Payment Options?
Research whether or not you’re comfortable with their treatment plans and payment options (e.g., do they offer flexible financing plans?). It’s best to visit the pediatric dentist for a consultation before committing.
This way, you can get an idea of how they work with children and what kind of payment options are available to you. For instance, some dental offices offer flexible financing plans that make it simpler than ever to take care of your child’s oral health needs!
We understand parents want the best for their children, and we do too. At Kentuckiana Pediatric Dentistry, our office strives to provide the best care to our patients while also working with them to maximize their reimbursement from their insurance company for covered procedures.
Pediatric Dentistry: How to Find a Dentist Near You
It’s never too early to have your child examined by a pediatric dentist. Regular dental checkups will help identify potential problems before they can become serious and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your little one is in good hands.
We hope this article gave you some insight into finding the best pediatric dentist in your area. If you’re in the Shepherdsville Mt. Washington area of Kentucky and are looking for a dentist for children near you, contact us and book an appointment today!
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