Did you know that 16 percent of school-aged children have a fear of the dentist? This percentage may not be a surprise for you if going to the dentist is a scary experience for your child each time.
The reluctance can go can lead to canceled appointments, late arrivals, and a child that doesn’t understand the benefits of improving dental health.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that it doesn’t always have to be like this. A talented Arlington pediatric dentist is used to children and can help them combat their anxieties.
Even better, they can even make going to the dentist a fun and rewarding experience for your children. With this in mind, read on to learn about the top factors when picking pediatric dentists!
1. Online Reviews
One of the first steps you should take is checking out the online reviews. When you’re searching for a “pediatric dentist in Hurst,” online, you’ll find reviews under the Google My Business page that comes up for each office. You can usually find reviews on websites as well.
Overall, you want to stay away from dental offices that have a majority of negative reviews. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that even dental offices with a majority of positive reviews may also have a few negative reviews. If this is the case, it’s more important to consider how they responded to those reviews.
Lastly, make sure that these reviews are genuine. A good indication is that the person posting the review has also posted other reviews for multiple businesses. They’ll also include details of their experience, such as the names of their favorite dental assistants.
2. Convenient Location
Next, you’ll want to make sure that the office is located in an area convenient to you. For instance, you may find that an office located closer to your child’s school is more convenient than near your home.
You’ll also want to consider the average traffic in the area depending on the times when you’ll typically make an appointment. Is it located on a busy street that constantly gives you anxiety? Are their parking locations convenient?
Although this may seem too picky, remember that you’ll be taking your child to this dentist for years in the future!
3. Kid-Friendly Office
Next, it’s important that the office itself is designed specifically for children. This means that it’s clean, bright, and welcoming.
A kids’ dentist in Arlington may offer a play area that includes toys for younger children or televisions for older ones. Some dentists include a treasure chest full of presents that children can pick out at the end of their appointment.
Look for bright decorations that can delight young eyes and make them feel more at ease. Offices strictly for adults can look far more intimidating to children, even if they’re clean and well furnished.
Don’t underestimate the impact a kid-friendly office can make on your child’s pediatric dentistry experience.
4. Experienced
Regardless of the way an office looks, your dentist and dental assistants need to be experienced and board-certified when it comes to working with children. You can usually find out about their level of experience on the About section of most websites.
If you can’t find the information online, see if you can schedule a free consultation with the dentist. This will give you the opportunity to ask plenty of questions, including their credentials, experience, and how long they’ve been a pediatric dentist.
5. Insurance Coverage
If you have insurance, it’s important that you take advantage of it by going to a dentist that’s in network. If you have a list of options for dentists in hand, you can check with your insurance’s website to see if they’re in network with your provider.
If they’re not, you can also see about payment plans they have available or financing, such as CareCredit. Many dentists also provide new patient discounts.
6. Customer Service
Remember that you’ll be interfacing more with the office staff and dental assistants more than the dentist her or himself. For that reason, pay attention to how you’re treated from the first inquiry to your latest exchange.
It’s important that the office staff treat both you and your child with respect. You should feel as if they’re willing and able to answer all of your questions, communicate expectations well, and are able to assist you if you have any issues.
7. Services Offered
Lastly, pay attention to the number of services offered. The more services the better, as your child will be going to them for the foreseeable future.
Along with important preventative care, you want to make sure that the dental office is able to provide restorative dental treatments as well. If your child is special needs, you’ll also want to choose a dentist who’s able to accommodate all of their needs.
Picking Pediatric Dentists: Take Your Time to Find the Perfect Fit
When it comes to finding a pediatric dentist in Arlington, make sure you take your time to find the best fit for your child. From comparing dentist costs to scoping out the office environment, there are a number of factors that go into the perfect Hurst pediatric dentist for you.
Finding dentists for kids isn’t easy, but one of the top tips we haven’t addressed yet is to pay attention to your child! When you walk into an office for the first time, do they seem more comfortable with the new environment? Are there child-friendly decorations and toys to put them at ease?
Finally, how do the office staff and dentists treat your child? These are all strong indications that you’ve found either a great Arlington kids dentist or a poor one.
Ready to skip the research when picking pediatric dentists and make an appointment with a caring, experienced team? Send us a message today to get started!