I need to take my 2.5 year old for a dental checkup in Portland Maine. I have only lived here for 3 years, and don't have friends with children who could recommend a dentist. My friends have never taken their child to a dentist, they are just babies!
Okay, so we went to Just for kids and that was great. I would recommend them to anyone. My son is a little too young for dental services, so we won't be going back until a year from now, but they do a wonderful job, definitely know their stuff.
Thanks for recommending this practice to me!
First, I have had no luck taking my kids at that age. My son finally let them do something to his teeth at age 5.
I live in Saco but take my kids to a Portland dentist. I go there because I love the hygentist. She is great with children. She exlpains everything so they understand.
The place is Progressive Dental Care. The dentist's name is Daniel Armstrong and make sure to ask for Isabelle to do the cleaning.
My son is 4, and we are on our 3rd dentist--and the 2nd pediatric specialist. We tried Susan Russett-Collett on Brighton Ave in Portland, and, although she was very nice and mild-mannered, she seemed unable to cope with children who are very fearful at the dentist. My son was hysterical, crying and burying his face in me, and refusing to even sit in the chair, let alone open his mouth. Dr. Russett-Collett was very patient and let us come in and out of the room several times to try and get him to cooperate, but basically had no useful suggestions or strategies to help me out. Her suggestion was to take him to the ER and have him knocked out for dental treatments. Since he has very deep grooves in his teeth (like his father!) and they are developing cavities already, it was important that I get him seen and treated right away, and maybe get some sealants to prevent future cavities.
I tried Dr. Mills at Just For Kids Pediatric Dentist on Rt 1 in Scarborough last week, and my son did great. Dr. Mills took the time to establish a rapport with him before he asked him to hop into the chair, and my son did it without hesitation. He unfortunately will need some dental work done later this month, and I may try some mild oral sedatives to help him relax and not stress, but I trust Dr. Mills already, and I think he will do a great job. I think he knows what kids need--be it sternness or goofiness--to make them cooperative and comfortable. Scarborough is a little longer of a drive, but I think it will; be worth it to know I have a qualified specialist working on my son's dental health. A friend of mine took her daughters to him several years ago and gave him good reviews also. Hope this helps, and good luck.
I use Just for Kids in Scarborough ME. They are great. My kids don't mind going at all.
I have two children 6 and 4 1/2 and I take them to my dentist at Progressive Dental Care in South Portland. It's off of Western Ave I think. The staff is really friendly and they really make the children's experience fun! I would HIGHLY recommend them.
