Choosing a dentist for your child is a big decision, and every parent I meet wants the same thing: someone gentle, patient and honest. I’ll share what genuinely matters, and the questions I’d ask if I were choosing for my own family.
Key takeaways
- A pediatric dentist has an additional two to three years of training in children’s dentistry, including managing behaviour and anxiety and spotting problems early.
- Look at qualifications, experience, services and approach with children; check the environment is child-friendly and staff are patient; and ask about cost and payment options.
- At Tricity Smiles, children can be seen by our paediatric dentist, Dr. Reetica Sharma, with a first visit you can book online.
Why does a child need a specialised dentist?
General dentists can provide basic care for children, but a pediatric dentist has completed an additional two to three years of training in children’s dentistry. That training covers the unique needs of growing teeth and jaws, and it includes how to handle children’s behaviour and anxiety, which is often the difference between a scary visit and a happy one.
Pediatric dentists also focus on preventive care and are trained to identify and treat potential problems early, before they become painful or complicated.
What should you look for?
A quick checklist for parents
- ✓ Ask other parents and read reviews and testimonials
- ✓ Book a consultation and ask about qualifications, experience, services and approach with children
- ✓ Choose a convenient, easily accessible location
- ✓ Look for a child-friendly, welcoming environment and patient, friendly staff
- ✓ Ask about cost, whether insurance is accepted and payment options
- ✗ Choosing only on price or distance
- ✗ Skipping the consultation
- ✗ Ignoring how your child reacts in the clinic
Why a child-friendly environment matters
Children can be anxious about visiting the dentist. A welcoming, child-friendly clinic and staff who are used to working with children make your child feel at ease, and that early comfort shapes how they feel about dental care for years.
A patient’s experience
A mother told us she’d tried two clinics before finding one where her daughter would sit in the chair. She said the difference was being spoken to like a person, being shown each tool first and never being rushed.
Meet our paediatric dentist
Dr. Reetica Sharma is our paediatric dentist at Tricity Smiles. She holds a BDS and an MDS in Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry from HP Government Dental College, Shimla, where she achieved University Rank 1 and was a Gold Medalist. You can meet her at your child’s first dental visit and explore our kids’ services.
When should your child first visit?
Ideally by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Read more in our guide to your baby’s first dental visit.
Ready to meet our paediatric dentist? Book your child’s first visit.
Book a consultation at Tricity Smiles, Sector 28-A, Chandigarh, or message us on WhatsApp and we will get back to you.
Book NowWhatsApp UsFrequently asked questions
How is a pediatric dentist different from a general dentist?
A pediatric dentist has completed an additional two to three years of training in children’s dentistry and is equipped to handle children’s unique dental needs, including behaviour and anxiety.
How do I choose a pediatric dentist in Chandigarh?
Research your options, ask other parents, check reviews and testimonials, and schedule a consultation to ask about qualifications, experience, services and their approach to treating children.
What should a pediatric dental office be like?
It should be child-friendly, with a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere and friendly, patient staff who have experience working with children.
Should cost matter when choosing a pediatric dentist?
Yes. Ask about the cost of services, whether your insurance is accepted, and any payment plans or financing options that are available.
Who is the paediatric dentist at Tricity Smiles?
Dr. Reetica Sharma is the paediatric dentist at Tricity Smiles Dentistry, and you can book your child’s first visit with her.
Sources and further reading
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Definition of dental home
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Resources for parents
- International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD)
- Indian Dental Association
This article is general information for patients and does not replace a personal examination. Treatment plans and costs depend on your individual case.
About the author
Written by Dr. Sandhu
Founder and lead dentist, Tricity Smiles Dentistry, Chandigarh
Dr. Sandhu has over 20 years of clinical experience. He completed his BDS at CMC Ludhiana, holds a Master’s from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed the International DDS Program at UCSF. He is a member of Spear Education, the Dawson Academy and RIPE Global, and leads Tricity’s first 100% digital dental clinic, caring for families across Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and Zirakpur.
