Family Dentist Morrisville
Even if you’ve lived in a community for years, you may not be aware of how to find certain services until you have particular need of them. For example, you had no need for a pediatric dentist until you had children, so now that you do have kids, you may not know where to find these practitioners within a community that is otherwise well known to you.
If this describes your scenario, this article explains why you may need a pediatric dentist and how to locate one.
The Case for a Pediatric Dentist
Just because you have children, it is not necessarily a foregone conclusion that you need to take them to a pediatric dentist. There are plenty of practitioners of general dentistry willing and capable of treating very young patients. As a matter of fact, pediatric dentistry is such a specialized field that some communities may not have any pediatric dental practices in the immediate area.
However, even if your child can receive adequate care from a general dentist, seeing a pediatric dentist may make the experience more enjoyable and less nerve-wracking for both of you. In addition to the degree they receive from dental school, pediatric dentists undergo an additional two to three years of specialized training in which they study topics related to growth and development, child psychology, and topics related specifically to treating young patients.
A child who exhibits one or more of the following qualities may benefit from seeing a pediatric dentist:
- Low tolerance for pain or high sensitivity
- A tendency to overreact
- A developmental disability or other special needs
The Methods of Finding a Pediatric Dentist
Once you’ve decided to take your child to a pediatric dentist, the next step is finding one in your community. There are several ways to accomplish this.
- Ask for Referrals
Ask your friends or the parents of your children’s friends if they know of any pediatric dentists in your area. You can also inquire of your child’s pediatrician or your own dentist if they can recommend someone in whom they have professional trust.
- Inquire of Professional Organizations
Both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have online search tools available on their websites that allow you to search for pediatric dentists within a certain radius of your location.
- Web Search
You can also just open your search engine of choice and enter terms like “pediatric dentist” and the name of your city.
A child’s early experiences can shape their attitudes and behaviors for years to come. Choosing a pediatric dentist may help your child’s influential first check-up be a pleasant one. Contact an office for more information about the services they offer.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Dental Care