The search for a dentist for your child can seem overwhelming at first. You want to find the best pediatric dentist in Phoenix to take care of your child’s teeth but you don’t know what to look for. It is generally recommended that a child visit a dentist for the first time by the age of two. At such a young age, it is essential to find a dentist that takes good care of your child’s teeth while making your child feel comfortable so that first visit is enjoyable. To start your search we recommend making a checklist to help determine the right dentist for your family. Your checklist should include:
- References: Ask your family, friends, and pediatrician if there is a dentist they recommend. Once you have gathered your references, do some research. The right dentist for your child should have experience in the field and a passion for the oral health of children.
- Consultation: After you have gathered your references and narrowed down your potential candidates, schedule a consultation. Keep in mind that the consultation should just be that; an opportunity to ask questions and to observe how the dentist and your child interact to see whether the doctor could be a good fit. A good dentist will show genuine interest in your child’s oral health and be happy to answer any questions you might have.
- An office tour: During your consultation visit, ask to tour the office. A good dentist office for kids should have a welcoming and kid friendly office with toys and books to keep your child happy while waiting to be seen by the doctor. In addition to the kid- friendly environment, the office should have dental equipment that can accommodate smaller mouths.
- Meeting office staff: Another important component to any dental office is the staff. When you enter the office, how are you greeted. Is the staff friendly and helpful? Take time to speak with the front office, as they will be handling the insurance and finance questions you may have. They also manage the dentist’s schedule for appointments and emergencies.
How to pick your top candidate
After gathering your references and exploring offices during your consultation visits, you should have enough information to pick your top candidate. If you are struggling with which dentist to choose, read online reviews for the practice, look at the website and social media pages to see what kind of information they share.
In addition to providing dental care for children and adults for more than 25 years, Dr. Dougherty is a father to two and understands the importance of making children comfortable during their dental visits. He and his dental staff take the time explaining treatments to children and their parents. He also provides orthodontic care, so when it comes time to evaluate a need for braces, Dr. Dougherty can provide that care as well. To schedule a consultation or learn more about the dental staff and services at Artistic Dental, visit our website or call our office at 602.840.5400.