The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit happen at age one or within 6 months of when the first tooth appears.
If you’re searching for a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry, there are several steps you can take to find the best fit for your child. Here’s what you need to know about locating a great pediatric dental practice:
Look for a Dentist with Pediatric Training
A pediatric dentist is your best bet if you want to ensure that your child receives the best care possible. Pediatric dentists are dental professionals who have completed an advanced education program in pediatric dentistry. They have a particular interest in treating children, which means they’ll be more comfortable with young patients than non-pediatric dentists might be.
Generally speaking, there are some commonalities among all pediatric dentists:
- They have completed an advanced dental degree—usually an additional two years beyond their basic four-year program.
- They’ve completed general practice residency and specialty training (a fellowship).
Ask About the Dentist’s Experience
When trying to find the best pediatric dentist, ask about the dentist’s experience. The more experience a pediatric dentist has had, the better they’ll be able to handle your child’s particular needs. These are some questions you can ask:
- Do you have experience with children who have special healthcare needs?
- Do you have special training in pediatric dentistry?
- Do you see many children as patients?
Check the Dentist’s Rating with the American Dental Association
The American Dental Association (ADA) is a nonprofit organization that works to improve access to oral health care and educate patients about their dental options. The ADA has established standards for dental professionals, including pediatric dentists.
Pediatric dentists who meet these standards can display an ADA seal on their practice website and office. You can look up a pediatric dentist’s rating through their business listing on the ADA website, which also provides insight into how long they’ve been practicing, what type of education they received, and more.
Check with your state licensing board for additional information about a potential candidate for your child’s dental needs. Many states require that physicians be licensed before they can practice medicine within their borders; this is true for dentists as well as doctors and other healthcare professionals who fall under each state’s jurisdiction.
It’s Important to Find a Great Dentist for Your Child
Choosing a dentist is an important decision. You want to make sure your child’s dental health is in good hands, that they’ll be taught proper dental hygiene, and that they’ll have as positive an experience as possible since these early experiences will impact their feelings about dental care long after their first visit.
Pediatric dentistry is essential for maintaining the health of children’s teeth and gums. A great pediatric dentist can help ensure that your child has healthy oral hygiene habits from an early age so that they can continue these practices throughout their life.
You’ll know it when you find the right dentist for your child—you’ll feel confident and comfortable with their treatment plan and how they interact with your child.
A good fit makes all the difference between a positive dental experience and one that is less than ideal. Take your time and do the research to make sure you find that perfect match!
Marigold Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Your child’s dental care needs can be taken care of under one roof at Marigold Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.
To schedule an appointment, call 973-821-7161 today. We look forward to helping your child establish a sound foundation for a lifetime of dental health.