Few adults enjoy going to the dentist. It’s even harder (and scarier) for children.

However, going to the dentist for regular checkups, cleanings, and procedures is vital for your child’s oral health. Small issues left unfixed can lead to major problems down the road. This includes things like gum disease, rotting teeth, and painful cavities.

The question is, how do you find the best dentist for your kid’s oral healthcare?

We are here to shed some light on the issue.

Talk to Other Parents in Your Circle

Start your search by talking to other parents you know from the area. This could include the parents of your child’s friends, co-workers, neighbors, and parents of your child’s schoolmates.

If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to these people personally, log onto a local community Facebook page. Then, ask for recommendations from the people who are members of the group. Who do they believe is the best local dentist for children?

This dentist in Charlotte also adds that it’s best to choose a pediatric dentist rather than a general one as the former is more trained to handle kids.

Find Out Why They’re the Best for Your Kids

Once you have a few references, do a little research to learn more about each dental clinic.

For example, do any of the clinics use pediatric laser dentistry? This new-age approach is nearly painless, which negates the need for anesthesia and painful needles. If it were up to your child, the best dentist is the one who’s the least scary.

You also need to think about the dentist’s experience and expertise in working with children. Skilled as they may be, not all dentists have a great rapport with kids.

Read Online Patient Reviews

Before choosing a new clinic for pediatric dental health, go online to review each clinic’s website. While on their site, look for patient reviews and testimonials.

What do other parents think about the local dentists? Which dentist seems the most kid-appropriate in terms of bedside manner, attentiveness, compassion, etc.? Do you see any negative reviews that give you cause for concern?

Learn More About Their Pricing and Compliance With Your Insurance Provider

Whether you’re looking for the best dentist for you or your children, it’s important to consider your long-term costs. First, review your dental insurance and talk to the local clinics to identify those that are compatible with your insurance policy.

Then, compare and contrast the costs of common dental care procedures. Some clinics will be more affordable than others.

However, it’s important not to immediately choose the cheapest option. A more affordable dentist might not be the best dentist for your kid. Make sure you consider the other qualifications listed in this article in context with their prices.

Looking for the Best Dentist for Your Kids?

As you can see, there’s a lot to think about before choosing a new dentist for your child’s dental care. Follow our guide and consider the factors listed above to help you find the best dentist in your area.

Check out some of our other articles while you’re here to find more guidance to help you live a better life.