3 Things To Consider When Choosing A Dentist For Your Child

As a parent, you are focused on providing a healthy life for your child. Taking care of their dental health is one of the most important things you can do. Here are three things to consider when choosing a dentist for your child.

Insurance

If you have dental insurance, then you will find it more affordable to visit the dentist and have various treatments to protect your oral health. Dental offices will accept a range of dental insurance plans. Explore your insurance plan's website or call and ask dental offices if your dental insurance is accepted. If you do not have dental insurance through your employer, you may be eligible for a dental plan such as the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+ dental). This program helps to cover some of the dental and health costs for children under 18 whose families do not qualify for Health First Colorado and may not be able to afford private insurance. Another important question to ask is if the dentist is in or out of network with your insurance plan; in-network dentists tend to cost less because the insurance covers a greater portion.

Appointment times

Appointment availability may be a concern for your family, especially if you have full schedules. When considering a dentist, keep in mind that you will want to be able to comfortably fit in your scheduled appointments at least twice a year. Look for dentists that may have evening and weekend appointments available if you are unable to commit to going to the dentist during traditional working hours. It is important to take your children to the dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings and exams; finding a dentist that fits your schedule will help make that easier to do.

Pediatric or Family Dentists

Another consideration for you to keep in mind is the specialty of the dentist. You may want to choose to take your child to a pediatric dentist or to a family dentist. Like a pediatrician, pediatric dentists specialize in caring for children's dental care. By contrast, a family dentist is able to care for both children and adults. Some families may prefer to all have their dental appointments at the same office; in that case, a family dentist may best suit your needs. On the other hand, your child may require specialized care as they continue to grow; in that case, a pediatric dentist may be the right choice.