Pediatric dentists deal with everything from routine checkups (and potential dental anxiety) to more complex treatments. They specialize in making children feel safe and cared for. Choosing a board certified pediatric dentist ensures your child has the very best care from when their first teeth erupt through to their teen years.
To become board-certified, a pediatric dentist not only completes a graduate program in pediatric dentistry but also the official certification process through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. This process involves both a written and oral exam. Once a doctor is board certified, they renew their certification annually to maintain their status.
Regular dental exams (we recommend twice a year for most patients) are crucial for your child’s overall health, not just the health of their teeth. Making sure your child feels comfortable with who their dentist is and how they’re cared for is extremely important! Helping your child form a positive relationship with going to the dentist will make appointments less scary and set them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.
Children do well with consistency. Establishing a dentist that they see regularly over the years can help make appointments go more smoothly. They understand what to expect from each visit and feel more comfortable seeing the same doctor time and again.
Our team is focused on custom treatment plans for each child. That means if your child has special healthcare needs, we do everything we can to tailor their care so they are comfortable and their needs are addressed. The specialized training a pediatric dentist completes makes them the smartest choice for kids of all ages and all healthcare needs.
At your child’s first dental visit, you can expect a routine cleaning and screening for any issues with the teeth or gums. Our team will typically take care of the following:
You should bring your child in for their first dental appointment when their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Those first exams are very simple and easy: The dentist will examine your child’s mouth and gums, and potentially clean their teeth (or tooth!) if needed.
There are several things you can do to help your child feel calm and confident at their first dental appointment. To prepare, you can:
All you’ll need to bring for your child’s first appointment is a photo ID and a copy of your insurance card. If your child is very young and feels comforted by bringing along a stuffed friend or toy, you can bring that along as well! We also have a kid’s play area and TVs in the exam rooms to entertain your little one while they’re at their appointment.
