Are you getting ready to choose a pediatric dentist to take your child to for the first time? There are undoubtedly multiple service providers in your community to consider. So, how will you know that you are making the right decision? Here are a few things to look for when choosing a new dentist that should help you feel confident about your final choice:

AADP Membership 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is a professional organization dedicated to ensuring optimal ethics, safety, and patient care standards for children throughout the United States. The organization offers a series of educational courses that focus on everything that is specific to pediatric dentistry from common disorders and safe sedation to state-of-the-art therapies and oral pathology.

Courses teach dentists how to effectively communicate with children by using basic language to explain what's going on during each appointment. Dentists can earn continued education hours by attending these courses, which are required to maintain certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. You can have peace of mind in knowing that your child's dentist is in good standing and is certified to provide specialized care if they are a member of the AAPD.

A Child-Oriented Environment

Every dentist's clinic and office space should be extremely clean and sanitary. However, a pediatric dentist's space should go further and create a child-friendly atmosphere that offers a sense of safety, comfort, and ease. The walls should display brightly colored paintings and illustrations that accomplish things like encouraging reading and teach how to properly take care of teeth and gums at home.

The furniture should be compact so that kids can easily get in and out of the chairs. The waiting room should be filled with books and basic toys to keep children's minds off going into the dentist's office. The dental office should be free of dental tools laying out in the open, as they can be scary to kids. The staff should acknowledge your child just as much as they do whenever you visit too.

A Strictly Pediatric Practice

It is also a good idea to look for a service provider who strictly practices pediatric dentistry. If they are not focused solely on pediatric care, you can't be sure that they are spending more of their time on pediatric or general education and scientific analysis. Not all dentists willing to see children are well-versed in pediatric care. They might not focus much on pediatric training once they meet the basic requirements because they're too busy brushing up on general care to appease the adults they see. 

Contact a dentist for more information.