There’s no shortage of options when it comes to pediatric dentists, but how will you know which one is truly the best choice for your child? It can be all too easy to get overwhelmed if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but fortunately, you can narrow down your search significantly by asking the right questions! Below are 3 inquiries whose answers can ultimately help you determine whether a given pediatric dentist is right for your little one.
1. Are They Specifically a Pediatric Dentist?
Not all dentists who treat children are pediatric dentists. Some are simply general dentists who offer dental care to children and adults alike; they may refer to themselves as family dentists or kids’ dentists.
A pediatric dentist is someone who specifically specializes in providing dental care for children and has learned how to treat child-specific dental problems. They also typically receive training for working with children who have special needs. In short, if you want your little one to receive dental care from an expert who fully understands what their smile requires, you should specifically look for a pediatric dentist rather than a general dentist.
2. Are They Board-Certified?
Some pediatric dentists have earned the distinction of being board-certified. This means they have passed written and oral examinations set forth by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry that cover a variety of topics related to child-specific dental care. If a pediatric dentist calls themselves a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, they are board-certified, and you can therefore expect them to be highly knowledgeable when it comes to providing your child’s mouth with high-quality care.
3. Will They Accept Your Dental Insurance?
While you definitely want your child to receive the best dental care available, it’s also important to make sure that such services won’t break the bank. Thus, if you have dental insurance, it’s worth searching for a pediatric dentist who is willing to accept your plan. Even if the practice is not in-network with your specific dental insurance company, they may still be willing to take your plan, and you can generally expect the team at the practice to work with you to figure out the best way to maximize your benefits.
These are just some general examples of questions you might ask. Every child has unique oral health needs, and there are likely to be more specific things that you want from a pediatric dentist. Think carefully about what it is that you’re looking for before choosing a new pediatric dental home.
About the Practice
Here at Glen Ellyn Pediatric Dentistry, our team includes multiple friendly, knowledgeable board-certified pediatric dentists. We have been helping children in Glen Ellyn enjoy healthier smiles for over 30 years; we offer a wide range of pediatric dental services, and we’re happy to accept many dental insurance plans for the convenience of our patients. To schedule a consultation with our team, visit our website or call (630) 858-8755.