Finding the right family dentist for you and your kids in Cambridge and Somerville MA
Finding the right family dentist for you and your kids is a key part of ensuring great oral care for your entire family. You want a dental professional that can meet your needs and offer excellent pediatric care. With a great dentist, every trip to the office can be a positive experience. This can translate to well-informed parents and kids who are motivated to take care of their teeth. What are the most important things to look for in a good dentist for the whole family?
What Parents Want
Finding a dentist you can entrust your family's dental care to can be stressful. Every family deserves a dentist who is skilled at the technical aspects of dentistry and also has a great chair-side manner. Of course, exceptional training and plenty of experience are needed to identify potential problems in advance so they can be treated in the least invasive manner. A great dentist knows how to educate the patient on treatment options for all dental problems. The ideal dentist will be your family's partner in dental health as your children grow and their dental needs change: losing first teeth, cavity prevention and treatment, and cosmetic treatments like whitening. It's a great idea to do your research before making your first appointment.
Family or friend referrals and online reviews are great places to start your search for the perfect family dentist. The dental practices website will provide biographies that include education, experience, and areas of specialty. Make sure your choice is practical. Convenient location from home, schools and work should be a consideration as is hours of operation.
An individual who you feel comfortable talking to is also important. You want to be able to ask questions and vocalize concerns about everything from healthy snacks to flossing skills. Every trip to the dentist office is not only an opportunity to have a professional evaluate and care for your family's teeth, but it also is a chance to gain invaluable insight about oral health and preventative care. You will also want to discuss flexible payment options and insurance before making your first appointment.
What Kids Want
Gentleness and approachability are two qualities that are necessary to treat effectively treat the dental needs of children. The dentist and dental hygienist should be patient and should enjoy working with kids and have plenty of experience. Fun activities in the waiting room are nice, but what is most important is a staff that is kind and an environment that feels comfortable. Developing a positive attitude toward the dentist start with the first visit. The best way to help your children develop a lifelong habit of regular dentist visits is to make their first appointments with the right dentist.
