When raising a family, there are many choices you will have to make. And whilst choosing a dentist is just one of the hundreds if not thousands of decisions you will make whilst raising kids, it is also an extremely important one.
So what exactly should you look for in a dentist and how do you know when you’ve found the right one?
Experience with kids and families
Naturally, when choosing a family dentist you want to find someone who has experience dealing with kids. Having someone who is used to dealing with kids will make life a lot easier for you and your children on so many levels.
On a very simple and basic level, a family dentist will have plenty of games, books and entertainment options in reception. And they will have little tried and tested tricks to help put your child at ease in the dentist chair too. This will help make the experience of going to the dentist as smooth as possible for you and your family.
On a more serious note, they will also have experience in dealing with primary teeth and all of the other things that apply only to children’s teeth. Having a dentist who regularly deals with children’s teeth is extremely important for your child’s oral health.
Good bedside manner
Let’s face it, kids don’t always behave or react rationally. Despite our best efforts, tantrums can occur for a number of reasons, many of which may be beyond your control. If your child is tired, scared or simply hungry at the time of their appointment, this can alter their behaviour.
Having a dentist who is not only patient but also able to reassure your child is therefore key. You want someone warm who can explain what’s happening to you and your child in language and terms that you can understand. Having a dentist with a good bedside manner is therefore key to keeping your appointments calm and tantrum-free.
Local
Running a family can be hard and time-consuming work. From school drop-offs and pick-ups to after school activities, there’s little time to yourself. And that’s why the right dentist for your family will be one that is reasonable easy to get to.
Whether it’s for a routine check-up or an emergency appointment, you want to be able to get there quickly and without hassle. So for example, if you live on the Central Coast, you need to be registered with a Dentist on the Central Coast.
Someone you are comfortable with
Whilst one dentist could have plenty of experience with children and families on paper, if something doesn’t quite feel right for you then they are not the best option for your family. This is where you need to be able to trust your instincts.
We all have different personalities and react differently to various personality types. Don’t be afraid to leave a dentist if it’s not quite right for you or your children. It doesn’t mean they are a terrible dentist, it just means that they are not the best fit for you and your family. Although if they are a terrible dentist, you should of course leave them for that reason too!
In summary…
Finding the right dentist for your family isn’t necessarily something that has an exact formula. What works well for one family may not be the best option for another. To make sure you find the right dentist for you, don’t be afraid to do some research, meet with a few different dentists and trust your instincts.
At the end of the day, the best dentist for your family is someone that you are all comfortable with. Whether it’s routine check-ups or emergency treatment, having the right dentist will make your life a whole lot easier so don’t be afraid to be picky!
