going to the dentist with less anxiety
About Me
going to the dentist with less anxiety

Going to the dentist isn't any fun, but it is one of those things that just has to be done. For years, I fought the process and didn't go for my regular cleanings and in the end, it sure didn't pay to do so. I ended up spending ten times as much time in the chair and a boat-load of money in dental repairs. If you don't like going to the dentist, you can make it easier on yourself. This blog will show you a few tips that can help you improve the experience and get through the treatment without as much discomfort.

going to the dentist with less anxiety

What's So Special About Pediatric Dentists?

Jordan Arnold

If you are a new parent, you probably already know that introducing your little one to the dentist early is vital to teaching him that visiting the dentist is a normal part of life. What you may not know is that choosing a pediatric dentist, instead of taking your kiddo to the family dentist, is also important. Pediatric dentists offer a host of benefits to both you and your child.

Advanced Training

Pediatric dentists aren't regular dentists who decided to work with children. They made this choice long before going into practice and even went to school for an additional training to refine their skills for working with children. Most dentists earn a bachelor's degree before entering dental school. Required courses typically include biology, physics, English and both general and organic chemistry. They must then pass the entrance exam before they can begin training in dentistry. At the completion of the dental program, they becomes a licensed dentist. A pediatric dentist doesn't stop here. He or she completes a graduate program and takes courses in child psychology, child development, working with special needs children and other courses designed to meet the needs of children.

Specialty License

Pediatric Dentistry is one of nine recognized dental specialties by the American Dental Association. To be recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association, the practice must require advanced knowledge and skills that are essential to maintaining oral health of the targeted patients. In the case of pediatric dentists, they demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills for working with children.

Kid-Friendly Office

Pediatric dentists set up their offices to cater to the needs of children. That means kid-sized furniture, age-appropriate toys in the waiting room and a warm, inviting atmosphere for kids. Staff is typically trained to work with children and to provide a nurturing environment for little ones. In addition, dentist chairs and other equipment are always the right size for children. Instead of blank walls or an oversized TV blaring current events, you may experience soft, kid-friendly music or even video games for children to play while they wait.

A Pleasant Experience

For children, this translates to a positive experience where they are celebrated as children and not treated like tiny adults. The dentist and his or her staff know that no two kids are the same and are trained to handle each as an individual. Special techniques may be used to loosen up shy or anxious children, making them less likely to develop a fear of visiting the dentist.

Continued Rapport

Pediatric dentists treat children from infancy through adolescence and offer the same range of services as other dentists. That means taking your little one to a pediatric dentist when he or she is young serves as an introduction to a life-long habit. When that experience is a positive one, your child is less likely to develop an aversion to visiting the dentist as he or she grows older.

Parent Education and Support

Because your child's pediatric dentist is trained in working with children, he or she can also be a valuable resource for all your questions about oral health. Many provide resources designed for you and your child, such as coloring books and storybooks, to explore healthy habits and tips for protecting your child's teeth.

If you have difficulty finding a pediatric dentist in your location, talk to your child's pediatrician. Pediatrician's offices often provide referrals and recommendations to local clinics, such as Apollo Dental Center. While your family dentist can treat children, and is always a good choice if there are no pediatric dentists in your area, seeking the services of a professional specifically trained to work with children will likely make the experience more pleasant for both you and your child.


Share