No pediatric dentist worth their salt will paint a weak picture of themselves. If you listen to them advertise their services, you will be at a loss when it comes to choice. Everybody looks great on paper or the digital display and they sound awesome in the media outlets.
You may need to have personal experience with a few to see who stands up to the image they have created of themselves. Some pediatric dentists may have opted for pediatric dentistry because they saw a niche. Others have genuine love and regard for children and want to make their dental experience as trauma-free as possible.
In your search for the perfect dentist for your child or children, make sure they have the following qualities:
He/she should have the child’s wellbeing at heart
Everything from attitude to the environment in the office should be geared towards creating an ambiance that favors children. It is not just about toys and Sponge Bob playing on TV. Children should find comfort and something to keep them occupied and entertained in the dentist’s office. The staff should be able to interact with the little ones at their level so that they feel at ease.
The décor of the exam room, the smells and sounds should make the child feel comfortable rather having that clinic atmosphere that only makes a child feel the tension.
The supplies should be kiddie-sized
You cannot use the same gadgets that are used on adults for children. They are little and therefore have little mouths. Imagine trying to use equipment meant for adults on a child. Not only will she resist it, for obvious reasons, but she will also be traumatized by the whole process. A pediatric dentist must have the child’s comfort at heart even when purchasing supplies and equipment for their office and exam room.
Converse with the child at their level
No, you do not need to sound like Minnie Mouse. Of course, your tone and pitch should be appropriate, but it is more like using words that the child understands. So, even as you work on your delivery, dental lingua is only going to earn you blank confused looks.
Also, remember all those gadgets don’t exactly look like the utensils they use to eat pies. It is bound to look a tad intimidating. It would help if you would gently explain what any gadget you have to use it for and how it is going to help the child.
No two children are the same, so a good dentist first gets a feel of each little patient before they talk to them by having a chat with the parents of new patients to know whether or not kiddie talk will work or the child will not buy it.
