Finding a dentist???

[mamato1]

I am in the process of looking for a pediatric dentist for my DS. Of course, the one my ped and all of my friends recommend is not covered by my insurance :( So, I am trying to figure out how to proceed. I have gotten some other names from colleagues and my ped's office, but I have no idea how to go about choosing. I have called the offices and they all seem nice. Should I schedule interviews like I did when I was looking for a ped, and if so, what the heck do I ask? Or, should I just go with the one I liked best on the phones? Or, just go check out the offices in person? Help! I feel like a bumbling idiot here.
Chris

Mama to Brendan (aka Boomer) 01/04

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[MelissaTC]

Most of the Ped DDS around here do not accept insurance of any kind. x( I know that the Peds around here do interviews and have tours. One has a tour with the child so the child can feel comfortable in the surroundings. I love our Ped DDS office. It is spacious, friendly, deocrated in a water theme and DS just loves going there. They are always playing a Disney movie and everyone is just super nice. The DDS themselves are as sweet as they can be. It makes for a very pleasant experience.

[smilequeen]

Have you asked your dentist yet? Either they could tell you that they are good with children themselves (you don't necc. need a pediatric dentist) or they will likely know who is good.

The number one thing I would ask is if they allow parents to come back with their children. It's common practice NOT to allow parents back, and I would scratch any of those dentists off the list. I'm a dentist and IMO you should always be allowed back with your child.

If you anticipate any problems you can ask about how they do dental treatment on small children who can't tolerate treatment...i.e. do they put them to sleep/sedate or do they strap them down.

You could ask if they do consultations, but most pediatric dentists are so super busy that I've never heard of one that does interviews like a ped would. The first visit is usually pretty simple and you can usually get a good grasp of their demeanor with the kids then too, so that you don't have to go back if you don't want to.

[LD92599]

My DH took DS yesterday for his 1st appt and it was to our regular dentist! He was her youngest patiet; DH sent me pictures of their appt and DS did fantastic...smiled, opened his mouth, etc. He came through w/ flying colors!

Laura
mom to William

LKibala @ optonline.net
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[Mommy_Again]

Call the one your friends recommended and talk to them. Not only to see if they have other recommendations, but a lot of times they can call the insurance company and get put on the plan easily. That happened with our dentist.

[bubbaray]

I would ask your regular dentist. My regular dentist said we didn't necessarily need to go to a pediatric dentist (though we could if we wanted), but our dentist sees a lot of kids (Crest Wall of Smiles) and has 4 schoolage DD's of his own.

The recommendation here is to have your child's first dental visit around 12m. However, I asked my dentist about that and he said 2 is fine. DD has been "in" to see him, in as much as DH brought her in for a visit while I was there for an appointment.

We have an excellent pediatric dentist in our area and our insurance covers part of their fees. Maybe your insurance would cover the "basic" rates and you could pay the balance?


Melissa

Maya Papaya!
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