Are you spending countless hours searching for the “best pediatric dentist near me?” If so, feel free to take a step back and take a deep breath. You want to entrust your child’s smile to someone you can trust. Their professionalism, experience, training, and ability to make your little one feel welcome, comfortable, and unafraid are all vital factors. Fortunately, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage at Sprout Dentistry for Kids are not only pediatric dentists, but they’re also fathers who understand the importance of this decision. Here are four tips to help you choose the right pediatric specialist for your child.
Consider Their Professional Experience
Pediatric dentists have more than the standard dentistry degree. In fact, they’re required to pursue additional education and training if they want to specialize in pediatrics. Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage are board board-certified, which means they’ve proven their knowledge and skill by passing rigorous exams and remaining committed to continuing education. Both professionals completed pediatric residencies and have vast experience in pediatric dental surgery.
Read Reviews About Their Practice
Hearing from others how a particular practice operates as well as how the pediatric dentists interact with children can be a crucial component. Many dentists encourage online visitors to read reviews on various sites (i.e., Google, Facebook, Yelp, etc.) to learn more about the experiences of others. If a professional does not offer this or you cannot seem to find any reviews online, you may need to do your own research to find others who have visited their practice. You may need to put out an inquiry on your social media account to see if anyone you know has insight.
Find Out if They Belong to Any Associations
When looking for a McKinney pediatric dentist, make sure to check for their involvement in industry associations. Part of being a trusted and credible professional in this field is maintaining memberships in one or more organizations/associations. The most common include the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). They may also be involved in local dental societies and groups, which only adds to their positive reputation within the community and among their peers.
Inquire About an Office Tour
When calling to inquire more about a particular practice, don’t be shy about asking for an office tour. Many dentists are pleased to take an individual around, showing them the instruments, equipment, and technology used throughout the practice. This time spent in their office allows you to meet the dental team and staff as well as the pediatric dentist(s) who will be working with your child. You can often gauge whether you like a practice or not by its customer service, décor, and interactions among staff. If you are pleased with your experience, you may feel it is the right place for your little one.
Don’t rush the process of finding the perfect pediatric dentist. By considering these tips, you and your child can expect to build a lasting relationship with a professional you both can trust.
About the Authors
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo are board-certified pediatric dentists who are fathers first. Realizing most parents want to do the right thing by keeping their children on a regular six-month schedule for dental checkups and cleanings, we strive to provide additional insight on ways parents and children can be more proactive at home when it comes to oral health. Visit our website or call (469) 294-8217 if you want to learn more about children’s dentistry and how we can make your child’s visit a more welcoming experience.