If you are a parent, the oral health of your child is your responsibility. To promote oral health, you should take them to see a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist is one who provides professional dental care for children from newborns to adolescents. Taking your child to see a pediatric dentist regularly can help prevent cavities and other dental diseases to ensure that they have healthy teeth. This is important because good dental habits must be encouraged from an early age as many of the dental problems seen in adults could have been prevented if they had practiced proper oral care when they were young.
If you have not yet selected a pediatric dentist or you are looking to find a new one, here are some things you should look for to ensure you select the right dentist for your child:
A pediatric dentist should be qualified
All dentists should be trained in general dentistry by an accredited institution. A dentist must also complete a course in pediatric dentistry before he or she can be considered a pediatric dentist.
Your pediatric dentist needs to have a current license
Any pediatric dentist you are considering must have an active license to practice in your province. Normally, you will see the license and certifications displayed in the reception area or the dentist’s office. If you do not see any sign of this, do not be afraid to ask about it. If the dentist does not have an up-to-date license to practice, find another.
Pediatric dentists must be able to deal with children
A dentist who is certified in pediatric dentistry would have received training on how to effectively deal with children. Every child will present different challenges based on their age and temperament. You can expect children of similar age to behave in like manner. However, some young children might perfectly behave during a visit while others will scream, kick and run to hide. A pediatric dentist will understand that children have different tolerance levels for stress and discomfort. Additionally, a pediatric dentist will be able to handle crying and misbehaving without getting frustrated or angry.
Find a pediatric dentist with a well-equipped clinic
Before you allow a dentist to treat your child, ensure he or she is operating out of a dental clinic with all the necessary tools and equipment. This will depend on the needs of your child. For example, if your child has special needs which could cause him or her to be especially disruptive, he or she may require sedation during the visit. In that case, the dentist should have a cushioned board with fabric Velcro straps to safely limit your child’s movement. The dentist should also have a device to monitor oxygen levels, an oxygen tank and intubation sets.
Are you in search of a pediatric dentist in Surrey?
If you are searching for a pediatric dentist in Surrey, give us a call at Newton Village Dental Clinic. At Newton Village Dental Clinic, we understand that a child’s visit to the dentist can be scary, especially when they go for the first time. That is why our team will make a special effort to ensure your child feels comfortable and at ease. You can also rest assured that our licenced dentist, Dr. Patrick Nguyen is well-qualified with over 25 years of experience in dentistry. For your convenience, you can also schedule your dentist appointments for when you come with your child as we treat patients of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today.
