Selecting the right kid’s dentist, more properly known as a pediatric dentist, could lead to having the best possible dental care for your child now and for years to come. With any medical decision, it’s not something to take lightly. We want you to have the confidence to research, find, and make an appointment with a pediatric dentist who is right for you and your family.
That’s why we have our guide on the top qualities to look for when choosing a kid’s dentist. Read on to learn more!
Board Certification in Pediatric Dentistry
Any dentist in Springfield can diagnose and treat children. However, a board-certified pediatric dentist has advanced knowledge and undergoes hands-on pediatric residency training for two to three years after graduating from dental school. Then, the dentist must pass a written and clinical exam to become board-certified. Once certified, the specialist must complete continuing education courses and pass a 50-question written exam every year.
Why board certification for your kid’s dentist? Children’s teeth are different from an adult’s teeth. Your child’s jaw continues to develop and grow until around age 12. A board-certified pediatric dentist is specially trained to understand the growth and development of your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, and mouth.
Welcoming Environment for Kids at the Dentist
Does the dentist’s office look kid-friendly? There should be colorful, kid-sized furniture in the waiting area, toys and activities while children wait for their appointment, and a TV playing some kind of child-friendly programming.
The physical office is just one aspect of the welcoming environment for the kid’s dentist. The pediatric dentist’s staff should be friendly and trained to deal with children. As a parent, you know that raising children takes patience and understanding their needs. The staff at your chosen kid’s dentist must also have the skills and expertise to handle children on a daily basis.
Positive Reviews of a Kid’s Dentist
Reading reviews is a must when selecting a kid’s dentist. As you continue your research, look at all of the reviews to give you some idea of how other parents view the pediatric dentist. There are plenty of places to find these reviews, too. Yes, there are reviews on the website. Make sure to look at Google Reviews, Healthgrades, WebMD, Facebook, U.S. News, USA Top Dentists, and ShareCare, among others.
The reviews should seem genuine and speak to you as a parent. Do the reviews point to positive aspects of the pediatric dentist, or are there too many issues? Not all of the reviews may be positive, but you should weigh the positive with the negative to get as clear of a picture as possible.
Call and Ask Questions
We encourage you to call the dentist’s office and ask questions. If you have any concerns about any negative reviews you saw, you can address them when you talk to the staff.
How did the staff at the pediatric dentist answer your questions? The staff should answer them promptly and professionally. The staff you talk to may not be clinicians, meaning they don’t have the right medical knowledge to answer or can’t provide answers to medical questions. However, they should offer to find out the answer and call you back.
Flexible Scheduling
Your kid’s dentist should have flexible scheduling, depending on what you prefer. Is it easier for your child to see the dentist in the morning or afternoon? What about on your lunch break from work? Or perhaps just after school lets out? Parkcrest Dental Group is generally open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays.
If things change at the last minute, we can put you on a waiting list for the first available appointment or reschedule the appointment for a time that works for your schedule. Talk to our staff about how we can help you when you need to change the appointment time.
How Is the Pediatric Dentist With Your Kids?
The first appointment with a pediatric dentist is one in which your child will get to know the dentist and the staff. Youngsters may be a bit apprehensive going into a new and unfamiliar situation. A pediatric dentist should be able to navigate that with ease and patience. A kid’s dentist is also trained to handle situations involving children with special needs, including autism, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities.
Notice the rapport between your kid’s dentist and your child. Did the doctor allay your child’s fears right away? How did the dental assistant or dental hygienist do around your youngster? The initial appointment is less about teeth and more about getting to know the doctor.
Make an Appointment With Dr. Scott in Springfield, Missouri
Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Stuart Scott, and his staff are here to help. Contact us or call (417) 887-1220 to make an appointment or ask any questions about your child’s dental care. Our dedicated pediatric staff will help your child have the best experience possible. We’re happy to help in any way we can!
