Is your child getting the dental care they need?

Research suggests that one in five kids misses out on annual preventative dental care. These essential check-ups help identify decay and other problems while preserving a child's healthy teeth. If your child has missed a visit or two, or if you're just realizing your teething child is ready for their first visit, it's time to schedule your next appointment!

Of course, finding a family dentistry clinic can be harder than you'd think. With so many dentists in the Hampton area, how do you know where to turn?

A few basic questions and some simple research can go a long way. If you're ready to find a reliable dental provider for your kids, here's what you should know.

Address the Basics

Assess Their Treatment Options

Before you choose a new dentist, make sure they're a good fit for your growing child and their developing smile. Depending on your child's oral health, you may need several different types of treatment. All family dentists will offer general check-ups, but here are a few additional types of dentistry worth asking about:

Orthodontics

Does one of your children need or have braces? If so, consider finding a family dentist with an orthodontist on staff so you won't have to search for a new provider.

These dental professionals can handle a range of services, including braces, bite issues, and other dental irregularities. They can also offer aligners and other dental appliances to enhance your child's smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry

It's rare but not uncommon for kids to need cosmetic dentistry. This dental specialty is helpful if your child ever chips or fractures a tooth, uses medications that discolor their teeth, or needs help with other cosmetic flaws due to accidents or illnesses.

Emergency Dentistry

To address the immediate aftermath of an injury or infection, emergency dentistry is a must. Not all family dentist clinics offer this service, but it's helpful to have someone on speed dial for urgent toothaches, missing fillings, or knocked-out teeth. Find a clinic that can do it all!

Anxiety Treatment

If your child gets fearful or anxious around new people, find a family dentist who is skilled in managing anxiety.

Many of these experts are great at setting kids at ease without special treatment, and they can often help parents relieve dental anxiety at home. However, they should also be ready to offer calming medications as needed for severe anxiety.

Visit the Office

Last, but not least, visit the dentist before you book an appointment. You may need to call ahead to schedule an office tour or consultation if the office allows it. If you prefer, you can instead consider your child's first check-up as a test run, using it to see if the family dentist is worth returning to.

Visiting the office in person lets you do several things at once.

First, take a look at the office overall.

Is it neat and orderly, or do you see visible clutter behind the receptionist's desk? Are there toys, books, or activity areas for your kids, or does the clinic lack any engagement for young patients? If the office doesn't seem to cater to kids, it might not be worth your time!

You should also take a look or ask about the equipment. Does it look clean and up-to-date?

When you have the chance, address any concerns you were unable to find answers to using the steps above. Here are questions you may want to bring up:

• What is your cancellation policy?
• What is your policy on missed appointments?
• Do you offer financing or payment plans?
• Do you take my insurance?
• How much will a routine cleaning cost?
• Do you always wear gloves and protective gear?
• How do you handle dental emergencies?
• Do you have experience treating patients with my child's condition?
• What are my child's options for treatment?



Your in-person visit with a new dentist allows you to get a sense of the staff's demeanor in response to these concerns. Are they polite and professional? Do they answer your questions without making you feel rushed?

Contact Us for Family Dentistry

Finding a new family dentist doesn't have to feel overwhelming. As long as you follow the steps above, you'll have no problem finding a new "dental home" for your kids. Be sure to do your homework to find a reliable team you can trust!



If you want to find a great dentist without the extra research, Lejeune Family Dentistry can help. We're proud to offer a huge range of dental services to families throughout the Hampton area, from cleanings to braces to fillings and beyond. Contact us today at (757) 827-9114 to ask questions or schedule an appointment.