If you’ve been on the hunt for a new dentist for your kids, you’ve probably noticed that some dental offices proudly proclaim that they’re “kids-only” practices. Many parents assume that their youngsters will get better care at these places, but is that really true? Today, we’ll talk about why dentists choose to label themselves this way and why the designation may not mean as much as you’d expect.
Why Some Dentists Are Kids-Only
Dentists who choose to only treat children are usually trying to carve out a specific marketing niche for their practice. There’s a dental office on every street corner in some cities, but there are far fewer kids-only dentists out there. By proclaiming their office is one of that select group, they dramatically lower the number of other practices competing with them for that city’s share of patients.
Many parents with young kids strongly prefer to take them to kids-only offices and don’t mind waiting a little longer for an appointment slot if they need to. They’re more likely to take their children to the dentist regularly, even if they might skip cleanings and checkups for themselves. Most kids are also covered under some sort of public or private dental care plan, too, so parents rarely need to refuse or delay their treatment due to financial concerns.
These things make child patients a consistent source of revenue and an extremely appealing demographic to market to.
Why Regular Dentists Are Just as Good
While it’s true that treating kids requires a little more patience than treating adults, most general dentists can handle child patients just as well as kids-only dentists. In fact, they may do an even better job because they don’t have to deal with kids all day. It’s much easier to work with a fussy child when there’s just one of them instead of twenty!
General dentists can treat gum disease and cavities, interpret X-rays, assess problems like tooth wear and gum recession, administer fluoride treatments, and screen for orthodontic conditions – all things that kids might need during a dental visit. If a child needs something done that their family dentist can’t handle, that dentist can always refer their patient to a specialist for those issues.
When a Kids-Only Dentist Makes Sense
There is one instance where seeing a dedicated kids’ dentist is a good call: when your child has special needs. Kids-only dentists may be better equipped to provide the level of care they need.
Pediatric dentists receive special training on how to care for kids like these, and kids-only offices are more likely to have one on staff than a general dentist’s office. Call ahead to make sure they have a real pediatric dentist on their team before you sign your child up to become a patient, though. If they’re really a specialist, they’ll have the credentials to back up that claim.
We Treat Patients of All Ages
Whether you’ve got a child who needs a dental check-up or you’re overdue for one yourself, our team at Ouellette Dentistry can help. Contact us today to book an appointment with our friendly staff and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re in good hands.
