Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City
516-222-5100
Have you found the right pediatric dentist for
your child yet? If not, it is extremely important that you do find one that is
the right fit for you and your children. Your child should be visiting her/her
pediatric dentist for yearly checkups just as they would at their pediatrician
office.
If you’re having
trouble finding the perfect pediatric dentist to fit your needs, follow these helpful steps, courtesy of nickjr.com!
Why a Pediatric Dentist? - Pediatric dentists have received two to three years of
specialized training following dental school, and they treat only kids. Pediatric dentists are more
familiar with the dental health issues involving children, and are often
trained to be skilled at treating kids with physical and emotional disabilities.
Get a Referral - The first person to ask for a referral would be your pediatrician;
she may be able to provide you with a list of names to check out. Other parents
are also a good source for finding a dentist for your child. Visit the Web sites of the
American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Pediatric
Dentistry (AAPD) to search for dentists near you!
Do Some Investigating - Once you get referrals, make time to visit the dentists on your
list. Call each office to see if the dentist will meet with you before making a
formal appointment. Ask the dentist any specific questions you may have and
take the time to make note of the following in the office:
- Are there books and magazines for kids?
- Are there toys, if so, what condition are they in?
- Are there child-sized chairs available?
- Are there other children in the waiting room?
- What is the overall atmosphere like? Relaxed? Chaotic? Fun?
- How does the staff interact with parents and children waiting in the office?
During & After the Visit - Some dentists allow children to sit on a
parent's lap during the initial exam. Younger children may be less likely to
squirm while sitting on mom's lap. Dentist also sometimes allows parents to bring
a child's favorite toothpaste to use when it's time to clean, or polish her
teeth. Planning a special post-visit treat is one way to cultivate a
positive attitude about going to the dentist!
Will you
follow these helpful tips from nickjr.com? Do you have any other tips on how to
find the right pediatric dentist? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE!
A pediatric dentist is specially trained to handle children of all ages. It doesn't matter if this is your child's first visit or their last; they are being treated by a professional who understands why your child may be struggling to get comfortable with the mere idea of a dental appointment. Since this professional has undergone several years of special training and internship to make sure they can successfully handle any situation, they are more equipped to ease your child's fears and help them feel more involved with the whole process.
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