Brushing your teeth is one of the most essential skills to learn in life. If you have a child, you know you’ve got to teach them about maintaining their oral hygiene early on. But sometimes it can be a drag to get them to finish their routine, OR go to the dentist.
How can we get our children to enjoy brushing their teeth, and visiting the dentist? Finding the right family dentist is the key. At Crescent Heights Dental, we have the guide for choosing a good family dentist for your kids.
Where to Look
The best way to find a great dentist is through word of mouth. Asking your friends or family in the area for dentists they have a great experience with can help you gauge their suitability. After all, you’d trust them for a restaurant or movie recommendation right?
You can also search online forums for family dentists in your area. A quick Google search can lead you to the Maps app and local forums pointing you in the right direction. Customer reviews online can also be a great resource for you.
Insurance
You need to make sure these family dentists take your insurance plan. This will definitely help you narrow down the list of local dentists. It’s an easy step to help you avoid big fees in the future.
This may not affect your children, but it is the best way to find a family dentist for us adults. Keep the financial strain off your family, even if it means going to the “second best” dentist in your area.
Are They Good With Kids?
The number one question you should ask when you make this decision is- is the dentist good with kids? This question should be easy to answer. Simply observing the environment of the waiting room and the dentist’s attitude can tell you what you need to know. Dentists should be patient with children, and be kind when they interact with them.
Crescent Heights Dental has fun Playstation games in the waiting room, as well as a television and other fun activities for children to interact with. Children should have a fun experience through their entire appointment, from start to finish.
Can They Work With Adults as Well?
Having one dentist for the whole family is often the most convenient option for a majority of families. Make sure you can also receive care at your family dentist, and that your child can continue to book appointments throughout their adolescence and teen years. This will also help everyone keep a consistent routine with their oral care.
Make sure you’re able to communicate with them effectively about both your care and your child’s. A good family dentist should be able to articulate any health issues and their respective solutions. Your dentist should be a master in talking to you and your kid.
Do They Accept Emergencies?
Children get into accidents all the time. A good family dentist is available around the clock, in case your kids chip their teeth playing or running around. You should rely on them to take care of you at any time.
You should also be able to rest assured that you can get a next-day appointment for your child. Though some accidents don’t need immediate attention, a family dentist should have availability built in for high priority, last minute cases.
Are They Educated?
Hopefully, no one you know will recommend an unlicensed dentist to you. All doctors should have the proper schooling and certifications to perform procedures on anyone, of any age. It’s a good idea to become familiar with the certifications in your country and area, and look into the dentists around you.
They should also be up to date on the latest procedures and equipment. If a doctor has equipment that’s ten years old, it’s unlikely they can give you the best care you could possibly receive. Again, familiarizing yourself with the language, procedures, and equipment can help you choose the best option for your family.
Will They Educate You?
Good dentists clean and fix your teeth. The best dentists let you know what you can do to improve your health in the future. They want to involve themselves in your daily routine, showing you the best ways to keep your mouth intact. Trust them to relay this knowledge to you during your next appointment.
You shouldn’t be afraid to ask a dentist any questions about your health or your child’s. They should be ready and willing to explain it to you until you understand them fully. Don’t forget you have the right to information about your health, so your next family dentist should be comfortable with that.
They’ll also let you know the best way to teach your kids about oral hygiene. Ultimately, your child will look to you for guidance, so you should seek advice from your dentist on how to show them the proper techniques. You should always stay calm and answer questions directly, so your child doesn’t associate the dentist with a scary experience.
In Conclusion
Picking a family dentist isn’t a light decision. You need to pick someone you can trust with your kids who won’t break the bank either. If you can find an office in your area that offers the latest services and helps you and your child understand your health, book yourself the next appointment there!
Ultimately, the best way to know if any doctor is right for you is if you can treat them like family. They should be a member of your family you and your kids can trust with their health. At Crescent Heights Dental, we are dedicated to helping everyone in the family develop a healthy relationship with their oral hygiene. Contact us today to ask questions or book an appointment.