At this time of the year, when candy consumption among children is ubiquitous, it is important to bring a child to the dentist for a checkup. Although many general dental practices take some of the necessary precautions when treating a child patient, pediatric dental establishments are designed specifically to cater to the needs of kids.

General dental clinics should consider the ambiance and treatment plans usually found at pediatric dental firms. Furthermore, dental practices must also ensure that the parents or guardians are just as comfortable as their children.

It is extremely rewarding to incorporate pediatric care to grow a dental practice. At the same time, it can be an expensive endeavor because dentists have to consider installing additional space, purchasing dental chairs that accommodate little patients, as well as adding other necessary dental supplies and equipment. In addition, creating waiting areas that are kid-friendly.

Since the upfront costs related to the initiative can be substantial, dental businesses may look into merchant cash advances to cover these short-term expenses, which can then later generate long-term returns on investment.

Unsure what you will need to mix pediatric dental care into your current practice? Here are five important measures to take:

Equipment

Dental technology has vastly advanced in the last several years. No longer will children be terrified of visiting the dentist in the future because of the various equipment, supplies and technologies that have been enhanced. In addition, the right equipment can reduce wait times, make your practice more efficient, and produce appreciation among the clientele.

For instance, ultrasonic equipment may be one of the best investments to make for teeth cleaning, something that can easily frighten or be uncomfortable for children.

Also, increasing the amount of setup trays and disposable supplies are good purchases because it reduce wait times while the equipment sterilizes. 

Training staff

Not everyone knows how to handle children, particularly when toddlers are crying or throwing a tantrum. However, staff members have to remember that the children's parents are paying customers and, if their kids aren’t happy, they could decide that it is time to find a new dental office for future check-ups and procedures.

Dental practices must train their staff with the skills to communicate with youth, while also performing the tasks at hand. New pediatric dental clinics regularly hire nurses and assistants that already have experience with children. Your staff doesn't have to be Mary Poppins, but kindness towards kids can go a long way.

Kid-friendly Environment

A waiting room and office environment that is cold and adult-oriented won't make it easier for a child to get their teeth examined and cleaned. By making a waiting room friendlier for children, such as by adding toys, placing children's books on side tables and mixing soothing pastels and nature scenes into your office décor, you can make the dental visit seem a lot less scary, more approachable and maybe even fun! 

Prior to the dental treatment, some dentists and assistants use helpful visuals, like puppets or cartoons, to teach the young patients about what they're going to be doing. Others provide stickers as a reward for those children who do a great job of being still and quiet. 

This outside-the-box thinking is one of the best routes to take when working with children. 

Parents

Of course, with all this planning for children, don't neglect the parents. Although the office has considered a kid-friendly environment, it doesn't all have to be play areas and cartoons. Make parents feel special by offering free gourmet coffee and snacks, providing satellite television and high-end, waiting room furniture. 

Marketing 

Parents today are a lot more computer savvy than previous generations of mothers and fathers. To adapt to today's parents, be quite active online and promote your acceptance of children for dental visits. This can be achieved by announcing your pediatric services on social media, offering non-insurance discounts on Facebook and holding promotions for those who share their positive visits on Instagram. A strong and effective online presence can bolster your dental business.

Indeed, making these steps a part of your business model can come with a price tag. But this expense can lead to a tremendous return on investment. Consider a partnership with Quikstone Capital Solutions to help make these necessary investments and help your business prosper.

Business funding doesn’t have to be like pulling teeth.