WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?

Just like having a pediatrician for your child’s health care needs, it is important to have a pediatric dentist for your child’s dental needs. It is important to start good oral health practices at a young age and to find a pediatric dentist that is a good fit for your family. Below is additional information about pediatric dentistry and how to find a pediatric dentist for your family.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

A pediatric dentist is a professional dentist who has completed additional training and specialized coursework to help them provide special dental care to children. To become a pediatric dentist, a trainee will complete two to three years of additional training after completing dental school. Your pediatric dentist should work closely with your family pediatrician to help meet the oral and general health care needs of your child.

What Age of Children Can See a Pediatric Dentist?

In general, pediatric dentists will treat children from birth to early adulthood, or around 18 years of age. Additionally, pediatric dentists are trained to help treat children with unique developmental issues or special needs. It is common for children with special needs to continue to see their pediatric dentist after they turn 18, because their dentist is familiar with their dental history and the special treatment they are comfortable with.

What is the Benefit of Seeing a Pediatric Dentist?

The primary mission of a pediatric dentist is to prevent and treat tooth decay in their patients and help educate parents on how to maintain their child’s oral health. If a pediatric dentist is working in a dental school or training program, they may also be involved in conducting research to advance current pediatric dentistry methods for children. This position would help keep them at the forefront of pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentistry training and coursework is a routine part of traditional dental school, meaning all dentists have some training in treating children. In general, this coursework is taught by experienced pediatric specialists. This means that general dentists who work in a family dentistry may be comfortable treating small children, however this may depend on how many families they see and how many children they treat. One of the  biggest benefits of having your child see a pediatric dentist, who specializes in treating young patients, is they additional training and experience they have in the specific treatments for children.

How to find a Pediatric Dentist?

If your family dentist is a general dentist you should discuss with them the possible options for your child’s oral health care. If your dentist is not comfortable treating a young child or a child with special needs, they should be able to provide you with a referral to pediatric dentist. Another option is to search the website of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). The AAPD is the organization for certified pediatric dentists and has information on how to find a pediatric dentist that is certified and trained, and potentially a good fit for your child’s oral health needs.

More on Pediatric Dentistry : Pediatric Dentistry vs Regular Dentistry