When picking a dentist for your child, there are many things that you have to take into consideration. Often times, children have a fear of the dentist, so parents are simply looking to make their dental care as easy and painless of a process as possible. Because of this, many new parents find themselves asking “should I take my child to a pediatric or family dentist?” At the end of the day, this decision is yours to make, but there are a few factors you may want to take into consideration when selecting a dentist for your child.
A Family Dentist
A family dentist treats patients of all ages, from toddlers all the way to grandparents. They are able to provide a variety of services ranging from emergency dental care to gum disease treatment, oral cancer screenings, teeth whitening, and beyond. A family dentist can cater to an entire family, meaning that you and your child can go to the same dentist. One of the largest positives of choosing a family dentist is that your child is able to create a lasting relationship with their dentist that can last for their whole life. They will not have to switch dentists when they reach a certain age, allowing them to feel comfortable in their dentist visits.
A Pediatric Dentist
On the flip side, a pediatric dentist only treats children. They undergo two to three years of additional training to learn about children’s behavior, the particular dental needs of children, and making children feel more comfortable at the dentist. Pediatric dentist offices are usually geared around younger children and include things like play areas and toys or treasurer chests. Occasionally, they have smaller, kid-friendly dental tools and the environment tends to be a little bit more fun for children.
If you are on the fence about which dentist to go with, your best option is to schedule a consultation with your family dentist and discuss any concerns. Take your child with you and get a feel for the office to see where your child feels most comfortable. Ask your family dentist if they have a pediatric dentist they recommend. Perhaps visit that office as well and meet the dentist and hygienist. After visiting both offices, speak with your child (if they are old enough) and ask which dentist they want to go to. This will help your child feel more comfortable, no matter which office you decide for your child. When all is said and done, the right dentist for your child could be either a family or a pediatric dentist.
At Snow Family Dentistry, we take pride in serving patient of all ages and making it a comfortable experience. Please schedule a consultation today to see if Snow Family Dentistry is the right fit for you and your child!
