The Importance of a Dental Home: Smiles4Children a Kid’s Dentist Near Columbia

Have an ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient!

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the dental home is “the ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral health care delivered in a safe, culturally-sensitive, individualized, comprehensive, continuous, accessible, coordinated, compassionate, and patient- and family- centered way regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual or gender identity, medical status, family structure or financial circumstances.”

A dental home should be established no later than 12 months of age. This helps ensure a lifetime of good oral health and familiarize young children with the dentist. Finding the right kids dentist near Columbia early on is a vital step in this process. At Smiles4children, we’re happy to offer 3 dental homes for your child with locations in Ellicott City, Catonsville and Eldersburg!

A dental home allows a patient to have comprehensive care for oral diseases and conditions and individualized preventative services in accordance with the AAPD guidelines. It helps inform parents and patients about age related dental concerns including oral hygiene practices, oral and dental development and growth, speech/language development, nonnutritive habits, diet and nutrition, and injury prevention, among other topics. If you are searching for a qualified kids dentist near Columbia, remember the benefits of establishing a dental home for your child’s long-term health.

You’re more likely to receive preventative services

Children with a dental home are more likely to receive preventative services, and a dental home reduces the risk of preventable disease. All dental personnel can contribute to optimize a child’s dental health, including dental assistants, dental hygienists, and pediatric dentists. The pediatric dentist receives specialized training to help with the youngest patients and direct their care for future success. Positive experiences at the dentist early on set up a child to have optimal oral health into adulthood. We are proud to be a dedicated kids dentist near Columbia focused on positive early experiences.

Patients that age out of pediatric services can be transitioned to an adult dentist without a delay of their care if they have a well-established dental home. Contact Smiles4Children, a trusted kids dentist near Columbia today to schedule your child’s first visit and secure their dental future!