It may surprise you to learn that approximately one-quarter of adults in the US have untreated tooth decay. More often than not, this results from poor dental hygiene. Choosing an experienced dentist can go a long way toward maximizing your dental health. Oral health is especially challenging for children, who don’t always care for their teeth as well as they should. There are certain dentist characteristics to consider when looking for a professional.

We’ve put together a guide on how to find the best kids’ dentist in Georgetown. Let’s explore what you should know.

1. Are You Comfortable with Them?

Comfort is one of the most important factors to consider. Prioritize dentists you feel comfortable interacting with, as you will have a better experience. Adults can often accommodate unpleasant dentists, but this typically isn’t true for children.

Kids who feel apprehensive or scared might not be as cooperative. Their anxiety could delay treatment or cause unnecessary problems. It’s always in your best interest to find dentists that make you feel at ease.

Don’t hesitate to continue your search if your intuition tells you something is off. Eventually, you’ll find the ideal option in your area.

2. Are They Communicative?

Your prospective dentist should be more than willing to address your concerns. Discussing billing, payment plans, or desired results should never be an issue.

They should also be willing to break down how procedures work. The better you understand your treatment, the more comfortable you’ll be with them.

Communication is an invaluable attribute for working with children. Kids often don’t understand dental procedures, which causes them to be afraid of their treatment. Your dentist can calmly explain the situation to your child in a way they’ll understand.

It’s no secret that kids can be a handful when taking them to places they don’t want to visit. If they’re at peace with their dentist visit, everything will go much smoother.

3. Do They Specialize in Pediatric Care?

When looking for a Georgetown dentist or Lexington pediatric dentist, never choose one that doesn’t specialize in working with children. Even though many dentists can handle pediatric care, they don’t always provide the best results.

Certain nuances this treatment require detailed knowledge. If you don’t choose a specialist, you run the risk of complications later on.

Not only could these provide a poor experience, but they can also be costly to remedy. Pediatric specialists are also likely to notice early signs of major issues. Over time, this leads to a much greater level of care.

4. Are the Staff Welcoming?

Take the time to visit the locations you’re considering. Pay attention to how the staff interact with you when you enter the facility.

If they aren’t welcoming and friendly, you should explore other options. Don’t be afraid to extend your search if necessary.

It’s never recommended the settlement when looking for a dentist. You can begin your assessment by calling different offices.

Generally, staff who are friendly on the phone will be friendly in person. If they don’t seem interested in helping you while speaking with them on the phone, don’t bother visiting the location. This will substantially narrow down your choices.

5. Do They Prioritize Continuing Education?

Some dentists have no interest in continuing education. Although they may have practiced for decades, they might use outdated tools and methods.

Only work with dentists who are serious about expanding their knowledge. Contemporary techniques are often much safer and more efficient than older ones.

The last thing you want is to encounter treatment problems you could have otherwise avoided. Thoroughly check the dentist’s website for evidence that they pursue continuing education. This information shouldn’t be hard to find, as reputable dentists will always proudly display their credentials.

6. Are They Experienced?

Your prospective dentist should have plenty of experience working with different conditions. This is the only way you can ensure they won’t have trouble handling your needs.

For example, someone who searches “pediatric dentist tongue tie near me” or “pediatric dentist lip tie near me” on Google will likely have no trouble finding candidates. It’s important to note that inexperienced dentists don’t always fall short of expectations.

Most of the time, though, they’ll be less likely to meet your needs. Keep this in mind when moving forward so you make the best decision.

7. How Is Their Past Feedback?

Never overlook a dentist’s past reputation. This provides valuable insight into the potential quality of your visits. When looking through past reviews, keep an eye out for comments about friendliness, professionalism, results, etc.

It’s normal to encounter a negative review every now and then. Don’t work with a dentist who has a large amount of negative feedback.

You should also consider the recency of critical reviews. To clarify, let’s assume you encounter a dentist who has a high rating on review platforms.

However, most of the reviews over the past six months are negative. This could indicate that people don’t receive the same quality care they did in the past.

Look at how the dentist responds to negativity. If they get defensive or aggressive, this is a red flag you can’t ignore. Understand how to recognize fake reviews, as well.

8. Do They Handle Emergencies?

Although dental emergencies are fairly uncommon, you should focus on dentists who offer emergency care. Otherwise, you’ll have to find a different professional if you need immediate treatment. This can make an already stressful situation much more difficult.

It may take you a bit to find a dentist who provides this type of care, but it’s worth the effort. Finding an all-in-one location will make your life much easier.

Finding a Kids’ Dentist in Georgetown Is Simple

Figuring out how to choose a dentist might seem complicated at first, but it’s easier than most people believe. As long as you do your due diligence, you’ll find the best kids’ dentist in Georgetown for your family.

Speak with a staff member at Pediatric Dentistry of Hamburg today. Our professional team can assess your needs and ensure you get the best possible treatment.