Choose Your Child's Dentist With Care

Some parents may be able to select a dentist by picking random names off insurance plan lists or going by a friend's referral, but when your child has special needs, you'll want to know a few things before making a commitment. Like the dentist's policy on papoose boards and sedation. Whether the office is so far the trips will throw your routine into disarray. How much the dentist works with children with disabilities, and how much he or she likes it. How skilled the hygienists are at working on sensitive mouths. And how comfortable you are with the professional and the practice. Though the dentist likely won't be as major a part of your child's healthcare as a pediatrician or specialist, don't be afraid to interview, ask questions, and keep looking until you find the right fit.

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