A trip to the dentist is something that most children fear, especially first-timers. Therefore, it is important to choose the best dentist for your children. It is a must for parents to make sure that the dentist is trained to handle kids. Fortunately, there is a field of dentistry that specializes in catering to children and teens; pediatric dentistry.
What is a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist functions the same way as a general dentist, but the only difference is that they are trained to handle younger patients. They underwent thorough training to efficiently handle children’s oral health from infancy to late teens. They make dental visits less stressful for patients and their parents. A pediatric dentist provides a wide array of services to younger patients, such as tooth filling for kids (อุดฟันน้ำนม, term in Thai), tooth extraction, and sealants, to name a few.
Qualities of a pediatric clinic
When it comes to choosing a dentist for your kids, there are a few important things you need to remember. These are the following:
· Child-friendly environment
Kids’ attention span is not as long as adults. Waiting in the dental office may trigger emotions such as anxiety and fear. So, you have to make sure that the clinic is designed in a way that will reduce the stress and anxiety of children. The clinic should have a vibrant ambiance, child-sized equipment, toys, and reading materials to keep the kids busy while waiting for their turn.
· Welcoming and accommodating staff
When choosing a pediatric clinic, it is not just enough to consider the dentist, but also the staff. The majority of children are anxious during dental visits, and a rude staff can add to their anxiety. The dental staff should be welcoming, warm, accommodating, and considerate of children. The patient’s comfort must be second to none.
· Educational outlook
The dentist and staff should treat children in an age-appropriate manner. They employ measures that will make it easy for the children and their parents to learn more about oral health habits. What most pediatric dentists do is come up with easy-to-absorb learning materials such as a short video, or a scale model of teeth, and thoroughly explain the procedure to the child.
· A gentle yet authoritative approach
It is essential to provide a friendly and comfortable environment for children, but a dentist must also maintain a level of authority so that the children will follow the directives of the dentist throughout the procedure. The pediatric dentist must know how to control the situation, especially when it comes to winning the trust and cooperation of the patient.
The number of dentists specializing in pediatric dentistry is growing tremendously. However, not each one of them is different. Therefore, it is important to conduct thorough research so that you will be able to find the best pediatric dentist for your children. The factors mentioned above are just some of the things you need to consider when selecting a pediatric dentist and clinic as a whole.
