How to Pick a Pediatric Dentist

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Pediatric dentists are professionals who have been trained to care for children's teeth from birth all the way to adolescence. A pediatric dentist will perform routine check-ups as well as repair and restore any teeth that are damaged due to decay or injury. You'll want to take some time to pick the right pediatric dentist for your child.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Go to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) website. You can search through the names in their database to find a pediatric dentist that practices in your area.
Step 2

Use a pediatric dentist instead of a family dentist. A pediatric dentist has received two years or more specialized training in how to care for the teeth of children.
Step 3

Research the pediatric dentist's background. You'll want to check out where she went to dental school and how many years she has been in practice.
Step 4

Find out what type of anesthesia or sedation the dentist uses while fixing your child's teeth. General anesthesia is typically used in children that need major work done or that prove to be uncooperative.
Step 5

Inquire about the methods that the dentist uses to examine a child. Ideally, the pediatric dentist will use techniques that keep the child comfortable. For example, he may allow you to hold the child on your knee while he looks in her mouth.

Tips & Warnings

It is recommended by the AAPD that you take your child for his first visit to a pediatric dentist by age one. However, some dentists may state that they do not wish to see him until all of his teeth have come in.
Once you pick a pediatric dentist, you'll set up a schedule of regular visits for your child. Most pediatric dentists will recommend bringing the child in every six months.

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