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5 Things to Look For When Choosing a Pediatric Dentist

04/27/16 | Tips for Moms

choosing a pediatric dentist

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!

IMG_5477

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.

Pediatric Dentist office staff

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.  

dentistry for children pediatric dentist

 

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 roowall art at pediatric dentist officem 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?Leila at Dentistry for Children

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!  

 

 

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Comments | 54 comments


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Comments

  1. Amy Jones says

    April 27, 2016 at 11:10 pm

    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.

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth O. says

    April 27, 2016 at 11:59 pm

    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.

    Reply
  3. Robin Masshole Mommy says

    April 28, 2016 at 12:06 am

    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.

    Reply
  4. Doran @ Haute Beauty Guide says

    April 28, 2016 at 2:43 am

    Great tips! I have had the same dentist since I was 6. I will be so sad when he retires.

    Reply
  5. DannyUK.com says

    April 28, 2016 at 6:27 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Ari says

      April 28, 2016 at 2:00 pm

      Agreed! Grown-ups need some jokes and fun at the Dentist’s office too!

      Reply
  6. Ana De- Jesus says

    April 28, 2016 at 6:29 am

    Aw it is important to choose a dentist that has your child’ best interests at heart and looks like you made the right choice.

    Reply
  7. Kait says

    April 28, 2016 at 11:20 am

    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.

    Reply
  8. Stream & Stone says

    April 28, 2016 at 11:23 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Ari says

      April 28, 2016 at 2:01 pm

      Good luck!

      Reply
  9. Ana Fernandez says

    April 28, 2016 at 11:27 am

    This are so important tips! Never thought about the importance of choosing a good pediatric!

    Reply
  10. Shannon says

    April 28, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    I think being friendly and flexible is so important when working with kids!

    Reply
  11. Tina says

    April 28, 2016 at 2:28 pm

    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!).

    Reply
  12. wendy says

    April 28, 2016 at 2:36 pm

    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!

    Reply
  13. Michelle Blackwood says

    April 28, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    We are looking for a pediatric dentist because we recently relocated to this state, thanks for the great tips!

    Reply
  14. Cindy Ingalls says

    April 28, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    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.

    Reply
  15. Jeanine says

    April 28, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    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!

    Reply
  16. aurora says

    April 28, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ari says

      April 28, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      The kids’ dentist actually does have those too! I love it at my dentist even more than they do!

      Reply
  17. rika says

    April 28, 2016 at 8:25 pm

    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.

    Reply
  18. Christine - The Choosy Mommy says

    April 28, 2016 at 9:59 pm

    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.

    Reply
  19. jared's mum says

    April 29, 2016 at 4:18 am

    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!

    Reply
  20. Mhaan A says

    April 29, 2016 at 5:07 am

    Will definitely keep these tips in mind when the time comes we are looking for my son’s dentist. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  21. Lori Felix says

    April 29, 2016 at 10:08 am

    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.

    Reply
  22. parpar de real says

    April 29, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    Great tips, It’s so important that kids have a dentist

    Reply
  23. Kathy Kenny Ngo says

    April 29, 2016 at 2:18 pm

    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.

    Reply
  24. Patricia says

    April 29, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    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…

    Reply
  25. Ronnie Leyba says

    April 29, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    These are amazing tips. Thanks for sharing. Might come in handy for us soon!

    Reply
  26. Melissa Bernardo says

    April 29, 2016 at 3:24 pm

    Amazing tips! I enjoyed reading this because we are in the process of finding a family dentist. Thank you!

    Reply
  27. Rosey says

    April 29, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    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!

    Reply
  28. Jocelyn Brown says

    April 29, 2016 at 9:54 pm

    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 🙂 ).

    Reply
  29. Anosa says

    April 29, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    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

    Reply
  30. Mardene Carr says

    April 30, 2016 at 11:08 am

    The most important thing is to make that child feel at ease. Going to the dentist is horrendous for adults much less kids

    Reply
  31. Coralie says

    April 30, 2016 at 1:20 pm

    These are great tips. A good dentist is something that can be life changing.

    Reply
  32. Cara (@StylishGeek) says

    May 2, 2016 at 11:22 am

    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!

    Reply
  33. tauyanm says

    May 6, 2016 at 9:05 am

    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

    Reply
  34. Derek Mcdoogle says

    July 28, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    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.

    Reply
  35. Skylar Williams says

    July 28, 2016 at 11:47 pm

    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.

    Reply
  36. Sarah Smith says

    September 15, 2016 at 12:47 pm

    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.

    Reply
  37. emily bennette says

    October 13, 2016 at 11:43 pm

    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.

    Reply
  38. Jen Pack says

    December 2, 2016 at 2:18 pm

    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.

    Reply
  39. Jay Jorgenson says

    February 1, 2017 at 9:44 am

    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.

    Reply
  40. Deedee Lewis says

    February 21, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    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.

    Reply
  41. Marcus Coons says

    July 10, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    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.

    Reply
  42. Dr. Luperon says

    October 15, 2017 at 11:18 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Ari says

      October 17, 2017 at 2:08 pm

      You are absolutely right. We love our dentists and staff at Dentistry for Children in Smyrna!

      Reply
  43. Hannah Neilson says

    January 9, 2018 at 11:36 pm

    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.

    Reply
  44. Callum Palmer says

    May 16, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    There is a lot that you should look for when choosing a pediatric dentist for your child and the article lays out a lot of good points. I think it is especially cool that it emphasizes the importance of choosing a kid-friendly staff. After all, it is an unfortunate truth that many kids fear the dentist so a kindly and upbeat staff can help dispel those insecurities.

    Reply
  45. Rosie Beckett says

    May 29, 2018 at 4:49 pm

    I am looking for a quality dentist for my young daughter and I appreciate that you say to find a staff that is kid-friendly and cheerful. This is important because my daughter is nervous to go to the dentist and this will definitely help her to feel relaxed and comfortable. Also, I will definitely go and visit a few different facilities to make sure that the clinic is clean and well-kept.

    Reply
  46. Dentiste à Ixelles says

    September 28, 2018 at 7:23 am

    Very good text. Friendly staff is very important when choosing a dentist for children.

    Reply
  47. Mark Murphy says

    October 3, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    I really appreciate your tip to try and find a pediatric dentist who is willing to be adaptable. My wife and I have been thinking of getting a new dentist for our son since we moved far away from our old one. I will be sure to find a dentist who is willing to try new things to help our son!

    Reply
  48. Amy Winters says

    January 21, 2019 at 2:59 pm

    Thanks for pointing out that we should choose a pediatric dentist office where the staff is upbeat and friendly to kids, since that can play a big part in how much our child enjoys going to the dentist. My husband and I recently moved our family to a new area, so we need to find a new pediatric dentist for our kids’ dental care. I didn’t consider that the personality of the staff should be considered in our decision, so thanks for sharing that advice!

    Reply
  49. Daphne Gilpin says

    May 9, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    Thanks for explaining that a good pediatric dentist will be willing to educate us and our child about the best home dental care practices. My husband got a job that we’ll need to move to a new area for, so we’ll need to find a new dentist that we can trust with the care of our two kids. I’m glad I read your article because now I know what practices to look for as we evaluate pediatric dentists.

    Reply
  50. Charlotte Fleet says

    January 20, 2021 at 4:53 pm

    My husband and I are trying to find a great pediatric dentist to take our 3 kids to soon. I appreciate you saying that it is a good idea to choose a dentist’s office that is colorful and supplied with fun toys for the kids to play with. We will be sure to pick a dentist for our kids that will be a positive and fun environment for them to visit.

    Reply

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Meet Ari

Ari Adams Atlanta Mom BloggerWho am I?  Well, to be honest, I am many things: I’m a Chiro-wife, mom of 2 daughters, a friend, a big and little sister, an auntie, cyber hippie, blogger, author, mompreneur, wannabe soap maker...  See? Many Things....but you can just call me ARI.   Learn more about my journey here.

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