Bringing your child to the dentist starting from an early age is essential to getting them to develop lifelong oral health habits. Experts recommend that parents establish a dental home—an ongoing relationship between dentist and patient—for their child by one year of age at the latest. Finding the best pediatric dentist for your child is the first step.

Pediatric dentistry is vital because children can start developing cavities as soon as they have teeth. Some children are more at risk than others. Establishing routine dental care early allows dentists to identify and address risk factors. If you have a baby or you’re looking for a new dentist for an older child, you’ll want to consider a few key factors when choosing your child’s new dental home.

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

General dentists do work with children, but this isn’t necessarily the best option for your child. Pediatric dentistry is a specialty practice designed for children’s unique oral healthcare needs. Pediatric dentists go through extra training, which includes at least two years of advanced education beyond a standard DDS program.

Pediatric dentists train in all areas of dental care but the focus is on infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents, including those with special needs. Dentistry for children includes:

• Behavior guidance and the establishment of good habits
• Identifying oral health risk factors
• Monitoring orofacial growth and development
• Cavity prevention
• Accommodating special needs
• Assessing orthodontic needs
• Treating dental emergencies

Qualities to Look for in a Kid-Friendly Dentist

Not all dental offices include a pediatric specialty. Before you settle into a new dental home for your family, keep in mind the following qualities while searching for the best pediatric dentist:

• Pediatric Specialty. A family dentist is not the same as a pediatric dentist. The former provides care for the whole family, but they are not specialists in pediatrics. Look for a true pediatric dentist with full training.
• Experience. The best pediatric dentists have experience working with children of all ages and with a range of health needs. This is especially important if your child has special dental, medical, behavioral, or developmental needs.
• A Preventative Focus. These are the formative years for your child. Now is the time to ensure they develop good dental hygiene habits and head off cavities or other dental issues. A good pediatric practice should put a major focus on preventative care.
• Convenience. Professionalism and expertise are more important factors in choosing a dentist, but if you can also get convenience, why wouldn’t you? Newtown Dentistry makes your dental visits more convenient by offering adult and child services all in one practice. With one call, you can make appointments for everyone in the family.
• A Kid-Friendly Environment. Going to the dentist can be scary. Your child will be more open to the experience in a friendly, kid-centered environment with toys, puppets, and welcoming staff.

Newtown Dentistry’s resident pediatric specialist Dr. Christine Landes knows kids. Dr. Chris has been working with children for decades. She has the experience, expertise, and a gentle approach that makes kids excited to go to the dentist.

In addition to Dr. Chris’s compassionate care, Newtown provides children with a fun, comfortable environment. It is unlike any other dental office, with an indoor treehouse, puppets, and a prize box full of toys. The team encourages children to play, explore, and have fun here while also providing excellent dental care.

When your child is ready for the first or next dental visit, contact Newtown Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris. In the meantime, check out Newtown’s eBook on preventing and detecting cavities to get a good head start on oral health.