Did you know that you should take your child to the dentist within a few months of their first baby teeth coming through (or before their first birthday)? If you have an infant, their first dentist’s appointment is coming up sooner than you think!
Choosing a dentist isn’t easy, however. You need to find someone that you can trust with your child’s oral health! How can you make that decision?
We’re here with a few questions that you should ask while you’re trying to find a great pediatric dentist in Austin, TX. Read on to learn more.
1. What Are the Insurance and Payment Options?
It’s no secret that dental care can get expensive, but it’s more than worth the cost when it comes to protecting your child’s pearly whites. With that in mind, you still want to make sure that you’ll be able to fit your child’s pediatric dentist into your budget.
When you’re browsing various pediatric dental practices, make sure to assess their insurance and payment options.
Some dentists (like the team at Grow Pediatric Dentistry) offer special deals for first-time patients without insurance. If you don’t yet have dental insurance for your child and you’re still unsure about whether you want to commit to a specific dentist long-term, this is a great option!
If you’re unsure as to whether the pediatric dental office accepts your dental insurance, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask! All dentists know that affordability is a huge factor when it comes to picking the right dentist for your child.
2. Is the Office Accessible to You and Your Child?
Accessibility isn’t all about affordability (even though affordability matters). You also need to consider where the pediatric dental office is and whether the hours work for your schedule.
It’s ideal if the dental office is near your work, your child’s school, your home, or somewhere on the path between those places. This way, it will be convenient for you to get there even if the hours aren’t ideal for you.
If you take public transportation, make sure that the office is accessible that way as well.
3. Does the Pediatric Dentist Have Good Reviews?
Don’t forget to look at reviews and testimonials before you choose your child’s pediatric dentist!
You can start with reviews from other parents in your network. Whether they’re family members, coworkers, parents at your child’s school, or any other local parents, they’re great resources!
You can also talk to your child’s pediatrician about local dentists that they recommend.
When you’ve run out of “real-life” resources, take your search to the web. Look at Google reviews and testimonials on websites to see what people have to say about the dentist in question.
4. What Services Does the Pediatric Dentist Offer?
Did you know that not all pediatric dentists offer the same services? Make sure that the pediatric dentist that you choose offers everything that your child needs to maintain great oral health.
A good pediatric dentist will always provide both preventative and restorative care. This includes things like routine cleanings, check-ups, and basic restorative procedures such as fillings.
Many great pediatric dentists will also offer sedation dentistry. While not all children require sedation during their dental procedures, anxious children and those with special needs often benefit from it.
Sedation dentistry can make dental procedures more comfortable for your child so they no longer have a reason to fear the dentist.
If you’re not sure about whether the dentist that you’re looking into provides the services that you need, again, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask!
5. Are Staff Members Friendly and Responsive?
Speaking of reaching out and asking questions, take note of how the team at the dental practice responds to you when you contact them, whether it’s via email, chat, in person, or on the phone.
The team at the pediatric dental practice should be able to put you at ease. You should feel comfortable enough with them that you trust them with your child.
Do they respond quickly to your queries? Are their responses thorough and friendly? These are great signs that this is a good dental office for your child.
6. How Much Experience Does the Dentist Have?
All dentists have to go through a certain amount of schooling before they’re able to practice on their own. Pediatric dentists receive even more training so they’re able to treat children.
With that in mind, it’s still a good idea to choose a pediatric dentist who has as much extra training and experience as possible.
Look into where the dentist went to school. What did they do before they opened their own practice? If they have any unique experiences, those experiences could lend themselves to better work as a pediatric dentist.
7. Is the Environment Welcoming?
When you actually enter the waiting room, does it seem like a welcoming environment?
Remember that pediatric dental offices have to be child-friendly. They should be bright, clean, and comfortable with plenty of interesting things for children to look at.
Even if you haven’t committed to the dentist yet, consider bringing your child to the waiting room to see how they feel. Remember, this is their decision, too!
Do You Need a New Pediatric Dentist in Austin, TX?
Next time you’re looking for a great pediatric dentist in Austin, TX, keep these questions in mind! Finding the perfect dentist for your child will set them up for a future of good oral hygiene.
If you’re in need of a new pediatric dentist in Austin, we want to meet you! Contact us at Grow Pediatric Dentistry to set up an appointment for your child today!
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