When it comes to dental care, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach or course of treatment. The professional that you choose does affect your overall experience and the quality of care that you receive. If you are looking for a family dentist in Norwalk, CT, the key is to find someone who understands that people may come to the office with preconceived notions about what to expect, anxiety about what will happen, and for some, unpleasant past experiences. If you have children, it is especially important to find someone who knows that there are five things that you have to do differently to provide the best oral care for young people.
A Calming Voice
Dentists’ office buildings can be chaotic with lots of things going on. When it comes to children, they need a calming voice and a lot of reassurance. Things like talking softly and being as calming as possible are the best way to not only ease a child’s anxiety but also to set a positive course for their future. Children learn from early experiences, so you want the dentist who sets the stage for their oral care future to use a gentle and understanding hand.
Patience
As with any job that involves working with children, it takes a lot of patience to be a family dentist. Often, children react out of fear and their behavior is usually exaggerated. A dentist who takes the time to listen to the concerns of a child, no matter how unrealistic, will win them over for a lifetime. Patience truly is golden when it comes to treating children in any field, especially in dentistry.
Communication
The way you get through to children is by being a good communicator. Letting a child know what they can expect and treating them as if their concerns really matter are not easy tasks. It takes a good mixture of talking their language, while also not talking down to them. Children can sense when someone is not being authentic, so even if something is going to hurt, being honest is the key to establishing trust.
Using Available Tools to Calm Anxiety and Fear
Sometimes family dentists need to temper risks, like the risk of causing emotional stress, over the risk of something like using nitric oxide. Look for a dentist who will always find ways to make unpleasant procedures less so by finding solutions and being proactive. The more effort they put into making sure your child has the best experience possible, the more effectively they are making sure your child enjoys rather than fears the dentist.
Consistency of Care
One of the biggest things you should look for with your child’s oral health is consistency of care. It is important for them to build a relationship with their dentist, and if they see a new professional every time they come in, that eliminates any predictability. Your family dentist should be there consistently to foster familiarity with your child and family.
If you are looking for a family dentist in Norwalk, CT, find one who has experience and training in familys. It isn’t enough to be educated, though; the dentist also has to have a certain personality style, enjoy what they do, and be relatable to form the best relationship with your child. If you can find someone your young one trusts, you are building the likelihood that your child will have a positive oral future. At Dr. Cheung, we are family-oriented and take the time to address every individual. Schedule your appointment with our family dentist in Norwalk, CT practice today to get started!