About 13.2% of children in the US have untreated dental caries. Only 86% of children have visited a dentist in the past year, though. If you’re new to Spanish Fork, it’s important to find pediatric dental care for your child right away.

Otherwise, you could put their oral health at risk. Without regular checkups, you might not realize a cavity is forming until it’s too late.

Here are a few tips that can help you find the best pediatric dentist in Spanish Fork. With these tips, you won’t have to waste time searching “pediatric dental care near me.”

Instead, you can make an informed decision before choosing a reliable, experienced dentist you can trust.

Discover the kid dentist Spanish Fork residents rely on! Start searching with these simple tips today.  

1. Talk to Local Parents

There are now over 64,800 professionals working within the pediatric dentistry industry. If you want to narrow down your options, turn to your neighbors. Talk to other parents in Spanish Fork.

Ask about the kids’ dentistry practice they take their own children to.

Gathering referrals can help you find information that’s likely not available during a Google search.

Make a list of questions you want to ask each parent. For example:

  • Was the dentist able to answer your questions
  • How far away is the dental office
  • What is the office like (is it suitable for children)
  • What was your child’s first appointment like

Consider asking questions about the dental team and hygienists, too. For example, did someone greet them? Was the dental team friendly and able to answer questions?

Make sure the team also answered questions in a way that was easy to understand.

Ask questions about the child’s pediatric dental care as well. For example, did the dentist ease the child’s dental anxiety? How did the dental team step in to help?

Try to learn as much as possible from each parent you speak with. They can help you develop a list of kids’ dentistry practices to research further. 

2. Confirm Credentials

Before choosing a pediatric dentist in Spanish Fork, look into their credentials. Make sure to find a dentist that’s trained and qualified to help your child.

First, check HealthGrades.com to pinpoint where each dentist completed their training. Make sure they graduated from an accredited dental school.

Next, consider when the dentist completed their training. Try to find a dentist who continues learning after graduating. Look for someone who remains up-to-date with new techniques and treatments.

These dentists will ensure your child receives the highest standards of care.

Make sure to double-check that the pediatric dentist is also board-certified. If their certifications aren’t up-to-date, scratch them from your list.

Ask each dentist if they have any additional training or credentials, too. You can determine if they’ve won any awards or accolades over time as well. These dentists strive to stand out from others in their field. 

3. Look for Experience

Before choosing a pediatric dental care facility, consider how long the practice has operated. Look for a long-established practice. A team with years of experience will know how to run like a well-oiled machine.

Consider how long the dentist has owned their own practice, too. Then, determine how long they’ve specialized in pediatric dental care. Try to find a professional with years of hands-on experience in the industry.

Finding an experienced dentist will give you peace of mind in their abilities. They’ll know how to treat a range of concerns, too. 

Make sure to find a dentist who specializes in pediatric care. These dentists have a better understanding of child development. They’ll also know how to make your child comfortable.

Someone with less experience treating children, however, might struggle. 

4. Read Reviews

Before choosing a pediatric dentist in Spanish Fork, look for reviews online.

References and reviews will give you additional insights into each dentist. You can learn from parents who were once in your shoes. These parents will understand what you’re looking for as a parent.

Check the practice’s Better Business Bureau listing, website, and Google My Business listings.

You might find one or two negative comments. Consider what the complaints are about. For example, you might see comments about long wait times.

Look for comments about the dentist. Are they professional and easy to talk to? Are they able to put children at ease?

Consider your priorities while reading online reviews. 

5. Schedule a Consultation 

Before scheduling your child’s first kid’s teeth cleaning, schedule a consultation appointment. You can interview the dentist in person before making a final decision.

Ask them any questions still on your mind. For example, you can discuss their training and credentials. Ask about their services, too. 

Take a look around the office during your visit. Was it clean and kid-friendly? Consider how your child would feel in that environment.

Make sure you choose an office where your child will feel comfortable. Otherwise, their anxiety can impact their appointments. 

6. Discuss Prevention

During the consultation appointment, as the kid’s dentistry team about prevention. How can they improve your child’s oral health long term? For example, they might suggest sealant to protect your child’s enamel. 

Protecting enamel before your child develops a cavity could protect their teeth between appointments.

The dentist might suggest fluoride treatments to minimize tooth decay, too. 

Discuss the treatments and services your child might need over time. Ask the dentist if they can help create a customized treatment plan. 

7. Consider Insurance and Pricing

Before making your final choice, ask at least three dentists on your list if they accept your insurance. Consider their pricing for specific services, too. As a baseline, ask how much a kid’s teeth cleaning will cost.

Gathering estimates from more than one location can help you comparison shop. 

Then, review your notes to choose the kid dentist you trust most. 

Start Searching: 7 Tips for Finding a Great Pediatric Dentist in Spanish Fork

Finding the best pediatric dentist in Spanish Fork shouldn’t feel exhausting. Instead, use these tips to vet your options. With these tips, you can find the pediatric dental care you can depend on.

You can find a dentist your child will feel comfortable around, too. 

Eager to schedule your child’s first appointment? We can’t wait to see you!

Contact our team in Spanish Fork today to get started.