Ask The Expert: Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

Starting your child early with a pediatric dentist is a good way to ensure the development of good habits that will benefit him or her for a lifetime. A pediatric dentist is trained to treat any young person. Just like children benefit from seeing a pediatrician for their general healthcare, your child’s dental health benefits from seeing a pediatric dentist. Children are not just little adults – and just like the pediatrician knows the specific needs of your child’s overall health, a pediatric dentist understands the specific needs of your child’s dental health.  As your child develops into the pre-teen and adolescent years, a pediatric dentist will adapt care to the child’s developing needs.   

At Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry, the number one goal is for each child to have a good experience. They believe that any dental treatment can be accomplished without fear or tears. That is why they will work to make your child comfortable in the dental setting and will address any concerns or worries your child may have. Only after your child is comfortable will they worry about the teeth. 

A pediatric dentist is particularly trained in understanding the personalities of young people and in creating an environment where they can be comfortable and easily receive quality dental care.  Dr. Thom and his staff explain things to children in a fashion that’s appropriate for their age without using scary sounding words. They want your child to leave their office happy. Sometimes that may mean they don’t get everything done that was intended, but the most important thing is that your child leaves feeling accomplished, happy, and ready to come back to the dentist.  If there is any way they can avoid it, they will not push your child just to get a procedure done.

Dr. Thom With a Patient

Dr. Thom explains, “As parents ourselves, we have a good understanding of the unique needs and concerns parents have about their children’s teeth and gums.  We have a fun staff with the demeanor to relate to kids and make them feel comfortable and at ease.”

Dr. Thom has treated patients who were just a few weeks old, a few years old, and a few decades old (kids in college). Pediatric dentists also have training in treating special needs children, as well as training in treating children under several types of sedation techniques. Whether your child is an infant or a teenager, Kitfox is trained to provide the special care he or she will need. 

Kitfox Pediatric Dentistry is located at 1395 Silver Bluff Road in Aiken. The practice sees patients from birth through college-aged kids, and they are now accepting new patients. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child see a pediatric dentist within 6 months of their first tooth coming in, or by the age of 1. For more information, call the office at 803.393.4550 or e-mail smile@kitfoxdental.com. 

About Dr. Thom

Dr. Thom Akins grew up in the small town of Dublin, Georgia. After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, he worked as an engineer at a paper mill for nearly 7 years. He then decided to attend dental school at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. It was while in his pediatric dental residency in Augusta that he met his wife Anna – she was assisting him during a dental procedure. After working in a dental practice for several years, Dr. Thom and Mrs. Anna decided to move their family to Aiken to open their own pediatric practice. 

Dr. Thom is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentists, the South Carolina Dental Association, the American Dental Association, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentists and a member of OKU National Dental Honor Society.