It’s probably safe to say that playing is the first thing on a kid’s mind and dentistry one of the last. The good thing is, as a parent you have creative control when it comes to painting a positive picture for your kids about regular dental visits and oral hygiene. Kid dentists have a role to play, too.

That’s why it’s so important to find a kids dentist who combines gentle dental care with a calm demeanor. A dentist for kids should also be patient and have plenty of experience working with kids. A kids dentistry office should also be kid-friendly — that means plenty of toys and books, even blankets and pillows. All of these factors combine to make your kid’s dental experience comfortable and fun!

There are a few types of kid dentists. A kids dentist may be a dental specialist called a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists have gone through kids dentistry training to learn about the unique dental needs of children. A family dentist is another type of dentist for kids. Technically, family dentists are general dentists who treat entire families, including kids. Some family dentists use the term “kids dentist” or “kids dentistry” to indicate that they have experience working with children and their offices are designed for a kid’s comfort. While family dentists are not always specially trained in kids dentistry, many can take care of all your child’s preventive and restorative dental needs.