Looking for the right pediatric dentist can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Maybe you have a few qualities in mind, or maybe you are simply trying to avoid a dental visit ending with a tantrum and barely making it back to the car alive.
Wherever you are in the search for the right dentist, there are a few things you should always look for and a few things to avoid so you and your child have the best experience possible.
What to Look For
Ask for a consultation before you commit to a particular dentist. You can tour the facilities and see everything firsthand before you show up for a treatment.
Check out the equipment. Remember, cleanliness is more important than state-of-the-art. Get a good idea of what services and amenities are offered. This is also a good time to find out about pricing and ask about insurance, co payments, and payment plans.
Ask around! Friends, family, play groups, and even community social media platforms are great places to find out what experiences others have had. Even though an individual’s visit may be unique to them, you can get an account of how friendly and competent the staff is.
Check out the online reviews. Look for repetition in reviews about the quality of service. Multiple reviews from different people about an overall positive experience are what you want to see. Remember that almost everyone gets that one bad review. Consistency is the key here.
Potential Red Flags to Watch Out for
Are they really set up for children? Take a look around the waiting room and equipment. If it doesn’t reflect children as a priority, that’s a red flag.
How is the customer service? Chances are if the staff is short with you, they won’t be patient with your child.
Are previous dental records requested? This is an important step to ensure your child won’t be receiving repeat or unnecessary treatment. Likewise, you may want to put on the brakes if extensive treatments are recommended right away. Play it safe and get a second opinion.
Are you getting a sales pitch at every visit? All good dentists make use of technology for the benefit of the patient, but beware of a large volume of ‘package’ deals.
The bottom line is a good pediatric dentist is going to prioritize children, be well equipped to suit their needs, and give the care needed. Watch out for speedy treatments that may result in unnecessary work and overbilling.
The staff at Barganier & LeCroy want to answer your questions and help you have confidence in your dental service. Contact us today and let us see how we can help you!