I’ve gone to the same dentist since I was a little girl. We’ve always gotten along great together. I love going because he makes me laugh and puts me at ease. The other day my mom said something about me needing to see her dentist now that I’m about to turn 18. It never occurred to me until she said something that I wouldn’t be going to him anymore. Is that a hard and fast rule or can people see a pediatric dentist after they turn 18?
Laura O. – Little Rock, AR
Laura,
I’m thrilled to hear you’ve had such a great relationship with your pediatric dentist. It sounds like he loves his job and his patients. That also means you’ve gotten great start on your oral hygiene.
There isn’t a law that will kick you out of the office the moment you turn 18. However, each clinic has their own policies, so I’d call and check with them. I’d be willing to bet they’d allow you to stay on until you found another dentist you’re comfortable with.
You will eventually want to find another dentist. Pediatric offices aren’t generally set up to deal with the issues that come up in adult mouths. For instance, they don’t do a ton of crowns or bridges.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Raymond Bolt.