How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist
Choosing the right pediatric dentist is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your child’s oral health and overall well-being. With so many options available in the Kansas City Northland, it can be overwhelming to decide which dentist is the best fit for your child’s needs. In this blog, we will discuss some tips for choosing the right pediatric dentist for your child.
Opt for a True Pediatric Dentist
It may be tempting to have your child visit the dentist you’re already seeing twice a year, but there are better options. Pediatric dentists have specialized training in treating children, including those with special needs.
At Pediatric Smiles, we understand the unique needs and behaviors of children and know how to make them feel comfortable during their dental visits. Dr. Ryan Francois is the friendly face you run into at the local grocery store or see at community events and sports games. For children with special needs and other considerations, he makes it a point to have in-depth conversations with parents surrounding children’s food texture preferences, eating and nap schedules, and any other aspects of their life that may impact overall oral health.
We, along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), recommend your child have their first dental visit within six months of their first tooth eruption or by their first birthday.
Check for a Child-Friendly Office
Our waiting area is out of this world – complete with a space theme, kids’ books, and toys. Another perk of visiting a pediatric dentist’s office is that it should, by nature, already be child-friendly. However, it’s always good to do some homework ahead of time to ensure they’re truly kid-focused. Check out each potential pediatric dentist’s website before your first visit.
Here at Pediatric Smiles Dentistry, we believe that developing a genuine, caring relationship with each of our patients is crucial to laying the foundation for kids’ optimal oral health. We take time to get to know your child, build trust and provide dental health education so kids value their smile and want to go to the dentist until they’re 99 years old!
Ask for Recommendations
Talk to your friends, family, and pediatrician for recommendations on a good pediatric dentist. You can also check online reviews or visit the dentist’s website to read patient testimonials. Look for dentists with high ratings and positive reviews.
Our team at Pediatric Smiles loves hearing about our patients’ experiences. Here are a few success stories:
- “My son was nervous before we came but he really enjoyed himself; Very friendly staff and everyone was so patient with him. We are very pleased with our visit!” – Brianna R.
- “The staff are great with our 2-year-old. They make dentist visits much better than I could have ever imagined they would be at this age!” – Ashley S.
- “We love going to the dentist here! It was so smooth even with all four kids having their teeth checked! The staff is so kind and the kids absolutely love being able to pick out a movie to watch during their appointment!!” – Taylor M.
- “The assistants were very good with both my sons. The one working with my autistic son was very thorough in explaining what was happening to help him feel comfortable.” – Ashley C.
- “This is a fantastic place! My kids enjoy it. And my son didn’t even know he had a shot when he had a cavity filled.” – Bridgitte F.
Consider Location and Convenience
Choose a dentist that is conveniently located and easily accessible from your home or your child’s school. This will make it easier to schedule appointments and ensure that your child receives timely care.
Proudly serving the Kansas City Northland communities of Liberty, Pleasant Valley, North Kansas City, and surrounding areas in Kansas and Missouri, Pediatric Smiles is located at 8672 NE Flintlock Road, Kansas City, MO 64157.
Check for Insurance Compatibility
To help manage the cost of your child’s dental care and avoid unexpected expenses, be sure to connect with your dental office prior to your child’s appointment.
At Pediatric Smiles Dentistry, we accept many forms of dental insurance. Please call us at (816) 479-5562 to determine if we can help you and your family with your specific dental care plan.
Look Into Their Dental Services
Look into the range of dental services offered by each potential pediatric dentist. This includes preventive care, restorative treatments, and emergency care. Ensure that your dentist is equipped to provide the specific treatments your child may need. This may include fluoride treatments, sealants, or orthodontic care.
Pediatric Smiles offers the following pediatric dental services:
Routine Prevention
Children should visit their dentist twice a year for routine care, which includes:
- Comprehensive dental exams to monitor teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay or other oral health concerns.
- Diagnostic dental x-rays to uncover hidden issues.
- Professional teeth cleanings to ensure long-lasting dental health.
- Personalized oral health education and guidance.
Oral Treatment
Proper care and routine dental visits set the stage for great oral health, but sometimes there are signs of tooth decay or other issues that require special attention. Dr. Francois handles all our patients’ dental restoration needs, including expert pediatric cavity treatment through fillings and sealants.
Special Needs Care
Dr. Francois has a heart for kids with special needs and is well-equipped to offer expert special needs dentistry care. He spent an additional two years of dental training specifically working in this field, so he understands their sensitivities and medical behaviors better than a typical dental office.
24-hour Emergency Assistance
Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Fortunately for our patients, Pediatric Smiles Dentistry is available by phone for 24-hour emergency dental care. If the emergency takes place during office hours, we’ll gladly assess your situation as soon as possible. After hours, our phone number has an automated message for you to reach Dr. Francois.
General Anesthesia
We work with a board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist who comes into our office to administer and monitor the sedation while Dr. Francois performs the dental treatment. This keeps your child’s experience and care consistent and more comfortable.
Schedule an Appointment
Our team at Pediatric Smiles Dentistry is passionate about oral health education! It’s our goal to ensure you know exactly what’s going on with your child’s smile. As the leading pediatric dentist in the KC Northland, we offer several types of dental care for children from birth through their teenage years. Schedule an appointment today.
