Question:
Are PD's a good get for kids that don't have any obvious problems. Or
should we just take them to our regular dentist? We have 3-year old
twins.
Answer:
Pediatric dentists are good for kids without obvious problems. If you
regular dentist is good with kids, you can take your kids there. If your
regular dentist is not good with kids, take them to a pediatric dentist or
another dentist who is good with kids.
It really depends on your regular dentist. Some family
dentists are great with kids, and others are horrible. Does the
office seem kid friendly? Do they encourage you to bring
kids in to see your cleanings so they can learn what's going to
happen? Have you asked them how comfortable they are with young
children? Are parents welcome to stay with the kids during
cleanings and procedures? Can you ask any other parents whose
children go there for an evaluation? (And if you get a good
review, make sure you know the name of the hygienist and dentist
who are being recommended--don't assume everyone in the group is
equally good wiht kids.)
Our family dentist is great with little kids, so we all
go to the same dentist. Others aren't necessarily as lucky.
Having kids who are fine with going to the dentist is a great
blessing. I would never risk that by going with a dentist or
hygienist without some sort of basis for believing they'd be
pretty good with my kids.
I take my kids to a pediatric dentist, just because a) they are more
knowledgeable about kid teeth problems and issues, things to watch for,
etc, and b) they usually have more kid-friendly offices, staff, and
equipment, and a general understanding of how to best get kids to
cooperate in what can be a somewhat intimidating, scary experience for
little ones. It isn't any more or less expensive where I am, so it
seems to make more sense to have a better chance at a positive overall
experience. I think if you have a knowledgeable kid-friendly family
dentist, then that is fine esp. for kids with basic dental needs, but
pediatric dentists have been a good choice for us, my 5 year old *loves*
going to the dentist.
I took my kids to a family dentist for the same reason we all saw the
same family practice doctor for our primary medical care: I liked
having everybody in the family seeing the same guy. It came in handy,
in our case, because my oldest and her dad share a similar dental
problem.
But the guy we saw was WONDERFUL with kids, as well as with adults like
me who absolutely HATE going to the dentist for any reason whatsoever.
My kids all liked him, so it worked out for us.
But he specifically advertised (and was recommended to us by a friend)
as a guy who did whole families.
My family dentist has a little toy alcove in the waiting room. We hardly
ever have to wait. I also go back with them, they allowed Luke to go back
to watch Hunter and he also sat on me for my whole cleaning and exam so he'd
be ready and willing for his exam. I've never seen another kid in there so
I can't speak to that. I did go with another woman to a pediatric dental
clinic. They didn't allow her back with her son and I saw all the other
parents in the waiting room too. I thought that was weird. I probably
wouldn't use a dentist that didn't let me go back if I thought it would be
best for my kid.
