Looking to create a kid who actually enjoys visiting the dentist?
The right family-friendly dentist can make all the difference. But here’s the thing Dentist for Kids…
Most parents have no idea what to look for.
As you may be aware, 87% of children see the dentist every year. However, just because your child is attending regular check-ups doesn’t necessarily mean they are in the best place possible.
Truth is, finding a family-friendly dentist who specialises in working with kids will change their dental health for the better, forever. The right practice will set your children up with good habits early and help them avoid decades of anxiety as an adult.
In this ultimate guide, I will be showing you precisely what to look for when choosing a family-friendly dentist so that your child can receive the best care possible.
In This Guide
- What Makes A Dentist Truly Family-Friendly?
- The Most Important Questions To Ask Before Booking
- Red Flags To Watch Out For
- How To Prepare Your Child For Their First Visit
What Makes A Dentist Truly Family-Friendly?
There are a lot of dentists who may say that they work with children but really aren’t family-friendly.
Here’s what I mean:
A truly family-friendly dentist doesn’t just put up with kids — they specialise in making children feel comfortable. This includes everything from having a welcoming office space and staff who are trained in pediatrics to treatment approaches that are tailored to suit young patients.
The very best family-friendly dental practices understand this and create an environment where children know they are safe. This could look like having a colorful waiting room with toys, books and televisions playing cartoons. These things aren’t just “nice-to-haves”…
They’re crucial for helping your child reduce their anxiety.
Research shows that 30% of young children suffer from dental fear and anxiety. The right office space can make all the difference in whether or not your child develops an oral phobia they will carry with them for the rest of their lives, or if they learn to anticipate their dentist appointments.
The Communication Style Matters
One of the biggest tell-tale signs that a dentist is good with children?
How they communicate with them.
Great dentists will communicate directly with your child in age-appropriate language. They will explain what they are doing in simple terms that are easy for kids to understand and that won’t instill fear. Instead of saying, “we are going to drill your tooth,” they will say something along the lines of, “we are going to take a bath of your tooth.”
This means:
- reduced fear and anxiety
- greater trust between the dentist and child
- easier future visits
The family-friendly dentist also knows when it is appropriate to involve a parent and when it is best to let the child have autonomy over the situation. This helps to empower a child while also providing support when they need it.
Questions You Should Ask Before Booking
Before booking in with any dentist, it is important that you ask the right questions. Below are a few of the most important ones…
Do You Have Experience With Children?
Ok, so this may seem like a given but I cannot stress enough the importance of asking this question. Some general dentists see children as part of their practice but do not have experience specialising in pediatric care.
Ask how many children they regularly see as well as what age groups they tend to work with most commonly. A dentist who has mostly adult patients may lack the patience or techniques that are required to work with young children.
What Is Your Approach To Dental Anxiety?
As mentioned previously, dental fear is extremely common in children. For this reason, you want a dentist who is well aware of it and can help put your child at ease.
Ask about their specific strategies for working with children who are afraid. Do they offer distraction techniques? Do they use soft and gentle language? Can they pause treatment if a child becomes upset?
The best dental practices will have clear protocols and plans in place for managing dental anxiety.
What Emergency Services Do You Offer?
Kids are bound to have dental emergencies. It’s just part of life.
In order to ensure you have access to the support that your child may need, you need to ask:
- Can you offer same-day appointments for emergencies?
- What happens outside of office hours?
- Do you offer on-call services?
The best family-friendly dental practice will have strategies in place to respond quickly to emergencies.
Red Flags To Watch Out For
Not all dental practices are created equally. There are a number of red flags that you should be aware of and which will tell you that a dentist is not the right fit for your child.
Rushing Through Appointments
If the dentist seems rushed or if they spend less than 10 minutes with your child, you have an issue on your hands. Good pediatric dentistry takes time — and especially during those first few visits when trust is being built.
Dismissive Of Concerns
You need a dentist that takes the time to answer your questions and doesn’t make you feel silly for asking them. If they brush off your concerns, are rude or make you feel that you are wasting their time, move on.
Outdated Or Scary Office
As mentioned above, environment matters. If the office is clinical, dark, cold or unwelcoming to children, then your child will notice. You want to find a dental practice that has taken the time and effort to create a friendly, child-friendly space.
Preparing Your Child For Their First Visit
Before you head to the dentist, it is important that you take the time to prepare your child. Here are a few ways you can do this…
Start Talking About It Early
Don’t wait until the day of the appointment to bring up the dentist with your child. In the days leading up to their first visit, start talking to them about it.
Keep the language simple and the conversation positive. Talk about how the dentist is there to keep teeth strong and healthy.
Read Books Or Watch Videos
If your child is older, watching videos or reading books about the dentist can help to normalise the experience for them and also reduce anxiety. Choose books or videos that paint the dentist in a positive light and also walk through what will happen during the visit.
Role Play At Home
Play “dentist” at home with your child and let them sit in the chair while you count their teeth with a toothbrush. This way, the real thing will seem less scary and more familiar to them.
Keep Your Own Anxiety In Check
Children can pick up on your emotions more than you think. This is why it is important that you keep your own anxiety at bay and try not to voice it around them.
It’s fine if you have dental anxiety but try to remain calm and relaxed when around your child.
The Importance Of Regular Checkups
Once you have found the perfect family-friendly dentist, it is important that you take your child for regular checkups.
Regular dental appointments will ensure that you can catch any problems early before they become painful or expensive to fix. It will also help your child to get used to the idea of dental care as part of their normal lives.
The CDC reports that 46% of children have experienced tooth decay by the time they reach 19. Many of these cases could have been prevented with regular checkups and proper home care.
The relationship that your child develops with their dentist at a young age will have a major impact on their oral health for years to come.
Bottom Line
Choosing a family-friendly dentist is not only about convenience. It is also about setting your child up for a lifetime of great oral health. By knowing what to look for, asking the right questions and preparing your child for their visit, you can help make dental appointments something that your kids look forward to.
Don’t settle. Take your time and find a practice that truly specialises in working with children and providing an environment where they feel safe and comfortable.
Your child’s smile is worth it.
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