Not many people enjoy a trip to the dentist, but for your child those first few trips to the dentist maybe even more nerve-wracking. It is a whole new concept and often a bit scary. Many children don’t much like a trip to the doctor and the dentist is just another doctor to them. The instruments and noises of a dental office can make it all the more scary. Finding the right dentist for your child can make all the difference.

You may want to consider choosing a pediatric dentist. Dentists who specialize in children will have a better handle on how to deal with children and their office will be more kid friendly. If you can’t find a pediatric dentist here are a few things to look for when searching for a good dentist for your child.

• The office is kid friendly. Their waiting room should be inviting and have lots of things for children to do while they wait. Look for children’s games and books in the waiting room, a kid-sized table and chairs, or a television playing children’s programming.
• The dentist should allow for extra time with a child. When making the appointment let them know it is a child and that you would like extra time so your child won’t be rushed into anything.
• The dentist should let the parent be present in the room during the whole dental visit. Your child will feel more comfortable if you are there.
• The dentist should offer learning tools such as videos, books, or other tools to help the child become comfortable with what to expect during a dental visit.
• The dentist should explain everything he or she is going to do before they do, allow the child to examine the tools, and even try the tools out before proceeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that your child begin seeing a dentist on a regular basis by their first birthday. For more information on pediatric dentists and other helpful tips visit the AAPD website.