As a parent, you want the best for your children, and that means finding the right dentist when it's time for a checkup or treatment. A well-chosen dentist can be a true lifesaver, protecting your child's teeth from permanent damage while keeping dental phobias at bay. When you're choosing a dentist for your child, it's important to keep the following in mind.

1. Special training 

A good dentist for children will have undergone special training in pediatric dentistry. They should know how to handle the child's anxiety and be knowledgeable about childhood dental development. While your own dentist may be great at providing adult treatment, that doesn't necessarily mean they're the right choice for your child. After all, a growing mouth poses different challenges to an adult's mouth in more ways than one.

2. Environment

To reduce the risk of your child developing a fear of dentists, it's a good idea to choose a dentist's office with child-friendly decorations that create a positive atmosphere. Take a look at the waiting room. Are there toys and books? Is there a TV? Is it a quiet, soothing environment with lots of places to sit or play? The more comfortable your child is, the more they will be inclined to cooperate, and the less stressed you will be.

3. Bonding

It's also important to pick a dentist your child likes and feels comfortable with. If the dentist is friendly and kind, they are more likely to explain what they are doing in a way that doesn't frighten the child.  As such, the child is more likely to have a positive experience every time they go in for their appointments. It's okay to shop around for different dentists to find one who can bond with your child and make them comfortable rather than settling for the first clinic you find.

 4. Office hours and location

Another thing to consider when picking your child's dentist is their location and office hours. Since your child spends most of the day at school and may have other extracurriculars on their schedule, it's important that you choose a dentist you can get to in a reasonable time after school or on weekends. Most good pediatric dentists will work with you on scheduling appointments around your family's schedule, so don't be afraid to ask. 

5. Check reviews

Last but not least, don't forget to check reviews of the dentist you're considering. Online reviews and word-of-mouth suggestions can be great resources that can help you make an educated decision. If other families in your area have had a positive experience with the dentist you're considering, it's a good sign you're making the right decision.