Over the years, I remember having the hardest time choosing a Pediatric Dentist. – At least, one that would cause the minimum amount of horror for my children. My kids have not always been great team players when it comes to a visit to the dentist. They’d make their own demands and outright refuse service that they find intimidating or scary or that they just don’t want to be bothered with. It has gotten a lot easier with Leila now that we’ve managed to work out a system that works for everyone, but Samara is still in her early stages of going to the dentist regularly, so it can still be pretty horrific.
After our last trip to the dentist, however, I think we finally broke her! I now take the girls to Dentistry for Children over in Smyrna and that last visit was the best experience ever! I had back to back appointments scheduled for the girls just for a regular exam and cleaning. Seemed simple enough, but I could hear them plotting a rebellion all the way to the dentist. Like, “ok…neither of us open our mouths today and we’ll get to go home early…” (They didn’t actually say that, but the looks they gave said it all.)
We got to the dentist’s office and I think they forgot the plan…for a while. They started playing video games, watching a movie and having a blast in the waiting area. They probably could’ve stayed there all day when we were called back. Leila’s visit went off without a hitch…she’s all talk now, no action. Samara, on the other hand was determined to follow through with their plan. The Dental Assistant took us back to the x-ray room and even though she’d seen Leila do it, she did not want to cooperate. I don’t remember what that pivotal moment was, but next thing I knew, the girls were laughing hysterically along with the Dental Assistant and you’d think they were long lost friends!
Then, she got a little skeptical when the Hygienist (Britni) came by, but learned pretty quickly that she was cool too and that calmed her down. By the time our Pediatric Dentist came out, she was totally calm and still joking around. It was smooth sailing for the rest of the visit and they actually ask me now when they get to go back!
So what are some of the things you need to factor in when choosing a Pediatric Dentist? Here are my top 5:
Well Trained Professionals
A good Pediatric Dentist should have had two additional years of residency training for babies, kids, teens and kids with special needs. In addition, they should be knowledgeable about dental habits and issues that especially effect children such as things like thumb sucking, assessment of normal tooth development, sealants, etc.
I work really closely with our Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Mindy Simms at Dentistry for Children Smyrna each time with Leila because she’s somehow managed to inherit all of my husband’s and my dental issues from gaps on the top, to overcrowding.
Kid-Friendly and Upbeat Staff
Your child will likely see a pediatric dentist from infancy through adolescence, so you definitely do not want them dreading each visit. As you’ve probably gathered, this is a huge reason I love our dentist’s office. The entire staff is always extremely positive and have great interaction with the kids which makes a huge difference.
Flexible Techniques
This is mostly when it comes to their level of creativity to get your kids to cooperate and make it a productive visit. I know Leila used to dread the little polisher gun they use during a cleaning, even after they’ve shown her how it works and let her choose her polish flavor. Our Hygienist at Dentistry for Children was always so patient and willing to try different things like instead applying it with a toothbrush so she wouldn’t freak out as much. It’s such a minor difference, but there are dentists who would rather not do it at all than to just switch up the technique a little.
Willingness to Educate
A good Pediatric Dentist should not only care for your children’s teeth in the office, but should be willing to educate both you and your child on proper dental care at home. Our dentist was the one to really drive the point home to the girls about how important it is to floss, how long and the proper way to brush. She also gives me a tutorial I need to help my kids while at home.
Clean, pleasant environment and facility
Last, but not least, a nice facility is a turn on for everyone. A bright, colorful office with fun toys in the waiting roo
m help to make the experience much more fun for children. I think my kids would add that an awesome prize wall is a major plus as well. I never understood giving kids lollipops at the dentist’s office (yes, it happens), but instead, our dentist has a wall full of cool toys for the kids to choose from along with a sticker. That is, in addition to the coveted “swag bag” with the to-go toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. I even get mesmerized myself by this wall mural at our Dentistry for Children office on the right. I believe I was told that it was made by a patient’s parent. Pretty nice, huh?
All smiles at the dentist’s office! What things do you look for when choosing a Pediatric Dentist?
Disclosure: I have been compensated to share my experience via this post. As always, all opinions are mine!
When i was a little girl my mom used to take me to her best friends office, he was the best he always gave me lollipops and always explained to me what was going on. id like to do the same for my kids.
I’m glad you found the perfect family dentist. It’s really important that the kids feel safe and comfy during your visit since it’s already terrifying as it is.
My kids go to the family dentist that I’ve gone to for years. There was no question they would see him like I do.
Great tips! I have had the same dentist since I was 6. I will be so sad when he retires.
Kid-friendly and upbeat staff are so important for kids going to the dentist. In fact, I think upbeat staff benefit dentists for adults too!
Agreed! Grown-ups need some jokes and fun at the Dentist’s office too!
Aw it is important to choose a dentist that has your child’ best interests at heart and looks like you made the right choice.
An environment that is kid friendly for sure! Plus a happy dentist that makes the kids feel welcomed is always a plus. It can be scary their first time – my son was two at his first visit.
I’m nervous for my son’s first trip to the dentist but our dentist is so kind. I bet he’ll be great with kids.
Good luck!
This are so important tips! Never thought about the importance of choosing a good pediatric!
I think being friendly and flexible is so important when working with kids!
Kid-friendly is so important! My daughter (who is 31) recently looked up her orthodontist, who has retired! He was terrific and she has very fond memories (and an amazing smile!).
I think all being friendly and understanding is an awesome thing for a child’s dentist. It is scary for children to be in the chair with all the loud sounds the drills can make. These are great tips!
We are looking for a pediatric dentist because we recently relocated to this state, thanks for the great tips!
Going to the dentist can be scary for kids, and adults, it is important to find a practice that caters to kids and understands this.
My kids must be the odd balls. They love going to the dentist. It was struggle when we first moved to find a good peads dentist but we finally did… Great tips!
These are good tips right here! I remember one of my friends brought her daughter to the dentist. Surprisingly, there was a TV that was set up at the ceiling. Maybe you could add that to the list; make sure that the dentist has a TV set up above the dental seat so that kids can watch.
The kids’ dentist actually does have those too! I love it at my dentist even more than they do!
Great tips.. I think it’s very important to find a good dentist that honest and care. We’re still looking for a good dentist.
This is a great post. At Choosy Kids, we really promote children visiting the dentist when they get their first tooth or age 1, whichever happens first. The tips you shared are spot on.
I feel you. I brought my little son to a pediatric dentist and he was terrified. We have not returned since but we have to look for a good pediatric dentist soon as his teeth are in dire need of cleaning and checking. I just wish I have lots of options nearby, instead of traveling almost 2 hours just so my son can have his teeth checked!
Will definitely keep these tips in mind when the time comes we are looking for my son’s dentist. Thanks for sharing!
Two things that I look for when choosing a dentist is patience and a good amount of availability. Some offices are open limited hours so it’s almost impossible to get an appointment that works around school, work and sports schedules.
Great tips, It’s so important that kids have a dentist
We need more of these kind of dentist here. The ones here are scary and not child friendly. You guys are lucky to have such amazing dentists.
What a great post! Thank you for taking the time and putting it all together. Choosing the right dentist if so important…and not everyone is same…
These are amazing tips. Thanks for sharing. Might come in handy for us soon!
Amazing tips! I enjoyed reading this because we are in the process of finding a family dentist. Thank you!
We used to have such a wide array of dentists to choose from. Our insurance has really narrowed down recently and I don’t like it a bit!
I had such a great dentist when my children were growing up. I never knew how thankful I should be until I heard stories of other experiences. Dental health is so important. You can never start too early (unless they don’t have their teeth yet 🙂 ).
I don’t have kids yet and it was had enough finding my own dentist as I am not a big fan of dentist so wouldn’t even know where to begin for my future kids
The most important thing is to make that child feel at ease. Going to the dentist is horrendous for adults much less kids
These are great tips. A good dentist is something that can be life changing.
Thanks so much for your tips! Very helpful! I have a wonderful pediatric dentist for my kid and am very pleased with their services. But I can forward your tips my new mom friends!
kid friendly and a place where kids are feeling confident and can make themselves say that this is my dentist place with all the happy things around me like toys haha
My family and I recently moved to a new area and have been looking for a dentist for our children. You mentioned a good pediatric dentist should be knowledgeable about dental habits and issues that especially affect children. I didn’t realize that there were so many habits children have that affect their teeth. It seems that finding a dentist that understands these could be very beneficial.
I feel so lucky to have grown up with a good dentist. I was never scared or anxious like you pointed out is common among people. I’m trying to find a good dentist so my children can feel comfortable.
I’m looking to get a dentist for my kids. Thanks for the advice about getting a dentist that has flexible techniques. Another thing to consider is to get a dentist that your children like.
This is some really good information about pediatric dentistry. I like that you pointed out that you should look for a place that is clean and has a pleasing atmosphere. That does seem like it would put kids more at ease as well.
My child is getting to the age where we need to take him to see a dentist, so I appreciate this information on pediatric dentists. I like how you point out that you should look for a pediatric dentist because they have a kid-friendly staff that will help make your child comfortable. I imagine that they are probably decorated in a way that makes kids feel comfortable, too.
I have a friend who told me that pediatric dentists have to have a few more years of schooling. This makes a lot of sense to me because children have such delicate mouths, it must be hard operating on one. I really like how this article says that pediatric dentists have bright an vibrant offices to make kids feel more calm.
I agree with the point you made about having a kid friendly staff when choosing a pediatric dentist. My brother always makes sure that whichever dentist office their family goes to is kid friendly. I will be sharing these dentist tips with my brother.
It really helped when you talked about choosing a pediatric dentist that has friendly and welcoming staff. I can see that looking for someone like this can help your child have a good time at the dentist and avoid having anxiety and being nervous. My brother just moved to a new city and wants to make sure he finds the best dentist for his son and help him feel comfortable while getting his teeth looked at.
Hi! Great article. Going to the dentist as a child can be terrifying so it is very understandable to choose a dentist wisely. Not only should the dentist specialize in pediatric dentistry but should also have an office that is warm, friendly and gentle. The doctor and staff should be there every step of the way for the child as well as the parent. Parents should always be informed of what is going on with their child’s oral health and be in the loop at all times. Your child deserves the best dental care and I am confident you will find it in your area!
You are absolutely right. We love our dentists and staff at Dentistry for Children in Smyrna!
I agree that finding a dentist with a colorful office is really good for kids. It would be good to consider this because it would probably help put your kid’s minds at ease. My brother needs a dentist for his kids, so he’ll have to consider one with a colorful office.