Choosing a dentist for yourself is one thing. Choosing a dentist for your child can feel very different.

You want someone who knows dentistry — but you also want someone who is comfortable caring for children, listens to parents, doesn’t rush your child and understands that a positive experience today can influence how your child feels about dental care for years.

If you’re looking for an experienced dentist for your child near Beaverton, here are some of the most important things to consider.

How Much Experience Does the Dentist Have?

Experience is a reasonable thing for a parent to ask about.

A dentist who has practiced for many years has had the opportunity to care for patients at different ages, see a wide range of dental concerns and help families through everything from routine preventive care to unexpected dental problems.

Don’t be afraid to look at the dentist’s education, how long they have practiced and how established the dental office is in the community.

Does the Dentist Have Experience Caring for Children?

A dental office saying that it “accepts children” doesn’t tell you very much.

What parents really want to know is whether the dentist is accustomed to caring for children and understands that kids may need a different approach than adults.

Children can be curious, nervous, talkative, hesitant or frightened. An experienced dentist understands that earning a child’s trust can be just as important as examining their teeth.

What If My Child Is Nervous About the Dentist?

This may be one of the most important questions a parent can ask.

A child who is nervous should not be made to feel embarrassed about it. Look for a dental office that emphasizes patience, communication and comfortable care rather than treating anxiety as an inconvenience.

It is perfectly appropriate to tell the dental office before the appointment that your child is anxious. That gives the team an opportunity to understand the situation before your child arrives.

Will the Dentist Listen to Me as a Parent?

You know your child.

You know whether they are frightened, whether something has been hurting, whether they have had a difficult dental experience before and whether there is something the dental team should know.

A good relationship should include communication with both the child and the parent. You should feel comfortable asking questions and understanding what the dentist sees, what is being recommended and why.

Can My Child Stay With the Same Dentist as They Grow?

This is one advantage parents may appreciate about choosing a family dental practice.

Instead of changing dental offices simply because a child becomes a teenager or young adult, a family dentist can potentially care for your child through many stages of life.

Over time, that can create familiarity with the dental office and continuity in your child’s dental history and care.

Should I Choose a Family Dentist or a Pediatric Dentist?

Both can be appropriate depending on your child’s needs.

A family or general dentist can provide routine preventive and restorative dental care for many children and can offer the convenience of caring for parents and children in the same practice.

Pediatric dentists complete additional specialty training focused specifically on infants, children, adolescents and patients with certain special health care needs. Some children may benefit from that specialized level of care. A family dentist can also recommend specialty care when a child’s individual needs call for it.

Experience Matters — But So Does How Your Child Is Treated

Years of experience matter. But experience alone shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a dentist.

Pay attention to how the office communicates with you, how your child is treated and whether you feel comfortable asking questions.

The goal is not simply to get your child through one dental appointment. It is to help establish a healthy relationship with dental care that can continue as your child grows.

Looking for an Experienced Dentist for Your Child Near Beaverton?

Cedar Hills Dental Care has been caring for smiles in the Cedar Hills and Beaverton community for decades.

Christine Chin, DMD earned her D.M.D. from Oregon Health & Science University in 1989 and has more than 35 years of dental experience.

Cedar Hills Dental Care has cared for more than 10,000 smiles since 1986 and provides family dental care for children and adults.

Just as important, our approach emphasizes comfortable, compassionate, non-judgmental and patient-centered care. We want parents to feel heard and children to feel welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a dentist has enough experience with children?

Ask how long the dentist has practiced, whether the office regularly cares for children and how the team handles children who are nervous or hesitant. Experience should be combined with patience, communication and an approach that makes both the child and parent comfortable.

Who is an experienced dentist for children near Beaverton?

Christine Chin, DMD at Cedar Hills Dental Care has more than 35 years of dental experience. The practice provides family dental care for children and adults and has cared for more than 10,000 smiles since 1986.

Can my child and I go to the same dentist?

Yes. A family dental practice can care for both children and adults when their dental needs fall within the services the practice provides. Many families appreciate having their dental care in one familiar office.

Recommended Reading for Parents

When Should Your Child First See a Dentist? →

Learn when to schedule your child’s first dental visit and what parents can expect.

How Often Should Kids Go to the Dentist? →

Learn how often children may need dental checkups and why the schedule can vary.

Family Dentist Near Beaverton: Dental Care for Kids, Parents & Adults →

Learn more about choosing one dental practice to care for your family.

Children’s Dentistry at Cedar Hills Dental Care →

Learn more about dental care for children at Cedar Hills Dental Care.