All families need to visit the dentist routinely, at least once every three months. Families with children in preschool may need to go to the dentist more to handle falling baby teeth. So it’s important to choose a single family dentist instead of going to different clinics. 

Once the dentist and the family become familiar with each other, the dentist will know the family history of problems. That knowledge is important for providing timely and accurate care. If your family is in search of a new dentist, here are several tips for finding a good one:


Choose a Patient Dentist the Kids will Like

Going to the dentist can be a dreaded affair especially for small kids. So it’s important that parents choose a dentist with a kind, gentle, and patient demeanor who will be good with kids. If the dentist is kind, the kids won’t throw a fuss when going to the clinic for routine checkups. More importantly, the kids will listen to the valuable health advice the dentist gives. The kids should also not feel too self-conscious about falling teeth, so parents will need to find a dentist who puts them at ease. 

The Clinic Should have a Friendly Atmosphere

Kids have nightmarish ideas about what a dental clinic looks like. Even if the dentist is nice, if the clinic looks like a torture chamber with all the weird devices, parents will have a hard time taking the kids to see a dentist. So choose a dental clinic with a pleasant, kid-friendly atmosphere. For example, Barrie Smile Centre dentists have designed their clinic with bright colors and toys children like. So a bright and friendly atmosphere is also an important consideration when choosing a clinic. 

The Dentist should have a Good Reputation

For doctors, reputation is quite important. Choose a well-respected and experienced dentist you can rely on. You can search online for listings of dentists and customer reviews to find out if the doctors you have in mind are actually suitable for your medical needs. It’s important to know what other dental professionals are saying about the dentist as well. 

Professional Credentials

While not always necessary, it’s worthwhile to check the credentials of the dentist you are about to choose. The dentist should be certified to practice in your local area and must have a valid medical degree. A simple background check will help you find out a dentist’s credentials. 

Location and Flexibility 

It may also be important to consider how close the dental clinic is to your house. If you suddenly need emergency dentists care, you should be able to immediately drive to the clinic. A 15 to 30 minute drive is usually a good distance. Also, you may want to check hours the dentist is available. The hours should not clash with school, work, or afterschool practice. A dentist that is open even on Saturdays would be ideal for busy families. 

If you require special dental care, you will have to choose a dentist that specializes in that field. If you follow the above suggestions, you will be able to find a good dentist the family can rely on.