I'm about to take my 5 1/2 year old and my 2 1/2 year old to the dentist. We took our older son to a pediodontist when we lived in Manhattan, KS, but have not taken the boys anywhere since we got here last summer. I have a family practice dentist that I have been quite happy with. Is it necesary for me to take them to a pediodontist instead for a routine cleaning?
I take my son who is 8 to a family practice dentist. If the dentist has a good rapport with children, I think it is fine. We did not have any pediatric dentists on our plan that were close, so we tried our dentist, and it has worked out great. Good Luck! K.
I'm the mother of five, ranging in age from 9 to 25. I've taken two of my children to a pediatric dentist. They had obvious dental caries showing at age 2 1/2 and I knew they needed that extra touch that a pediatric specialist can give. With my other kids, they went to our family dentist. I've based my choices on my children's needs. The other consideration was the dentist's personality. Our family practice dentist was a no nonsense kinda guy but that was fine for the two oldest and my middle daughter. With the other two boys, the dentist I took them to is at UMKC Dental Faculty Practice. Dr. Bohaty is WONDERFUL! I considered taking my other kids there but it was farther away and little more expensive--not much but it all adds up.
I'd say you know your kids best and can make the best choice based on their needs, personalities and your feeling about the dentist you are considering.
I, too, used to take my kids to a general dentist. I now take both of my kids to a Pediatric Dentist, and they LOVE going. We go to Dr. Fales in Olathe. The office is set up to be kid friendly, and each of the dental assistants are very friendly and fun! It is one of the best decisions I have ever made! My son just finished his orthodonics there too. We love the office and will not switch.
I think it just depends on the kids. If they have a positive association with their dental experience, you're probably fine going to a family practice. If they are afraid to go, maybe finding a good periodentist would help.
I've never tried pediatric dentistry, because we love our dentist and wouldn't trade him for anyone! My son (nearly 4) has been going to him since he was 2, and he loves to go. The office has a big flat-screen TV and they let Stuart pick out his movie, and we're all very comfortable there. It's Iron Horse Dental at 151st & Nall--they take our insurance, so we rarely have to pay a dime on our own, they work around our schedules very well for appointments, and the entire staff is wonderful. The 2 dentists are a married couple with (I think) 5 kids, ranging from 18 headed off to college in Aug. to a 6 month-old, including 2 y-o twins, so they really know kids!
IF that doctor isn't in the feild of a dentist as well....YES you need to take them to the dentist. You wouldn'twant to let your son's teeth to be ruined before they get started in life by not getting them the proper treatment. Oh & by the wat it's not certain that you'll get to rest then:-). There comes all those PTA, PAT, monitor's or even going on the field trips. Good luck & God Bless!
I am a dental hygienist in a family practice, and we love seeing children and make a special effort to make sure their visits are fun, positive experiences, while teaching them the importance of good habits. Most children do very well in a family practice, and do not necessarily need to be seen by a pedodontist. In some cases, if a child needs to be sedated or has extensive treatment needs we will refer them to a pediatric practice. If you are happy with your dentist and your child is comfortable there I would see no need to see a pedodontist.
