What Is a Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is dentistry performed on young people from babies to teens. Pediatric dentists perform the same type of dentistry that family practice dentists do, but they go through extra training to get the title of "Pediatric Dentist." In some states, a dentist cannot call himself a pediatric dentist unless he has had this extra training. Don't be fooled by certain marketing techniques that dentists use to lure children to their practice. Just because a practice uses the word "Kid" or "Child" in its name, that doesn't mean the dentists have had special training to treat your child.

Education And Training

• All dentists complete a four-year dental school program, but pediatric dentists go on to perform two to three more years of specialized training focusing on pediatric dentistry. This training gives dentists the experience and knowledge needed to work specifically on children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, "The trainee learns advanced diagnostic and surgical procedures, along with child psychology and clinical management, oral pathology, child-related pharmacology, radiology, child development, management of oral/facial trauma, care for patients with special needs, conscious sedation and general anesthesia."

Pediatric Vs. Family Practice

• The reason you would choose a pediatric dentist instead of a family practice dentist is the same reason why you might choose a pediatrician: specialized training. While a family practice dentist is studying about tooth loss in the elderly and tooth sensitivity in adults, a pediatric dentist is learning about how to use proper language to not scare children and how to perform surgeries in tiny mouths. Furthermore, a pediatric dentist's office is usually designed with children in mind with certain colors, décor, furnishings and toys.

Identifying Pediatric Dentist

• Some dental practices set up their facility to treat children, but they do not have specialized training. It is legal for non-pediatric dentists to treat children, but if you are looking for the pediatric dentist with specialized training, you must ask specifically if the dentist is a pediatric dentist. According to Dr. Dean Brandon in his blog, Pediatric Dentistry, you should listen closely to the answer. He said, "If they say, "our dentists treat children" or "yes, we see children" or, "our practice is dedicated to treating children", they really did not answer your question. You need to be specific and get a specific answer. You can even research on where they did their specialty residency after dental school."

How to Find Pediatric Dentist

• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers a tool on its website that allows you to find a pediatric dentist in your area. Their list contains the names and contact information of pediatric dentists in good standing with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, but it may not be a complete list of pediatric dentists in your area.

Reasons to Take Child to Dentist

• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends parents bring their children in for their first check up when their first tooth appears or no later than age one. Children should go in for regular check-ups every six months. However, your child's dentist will tailor the schedule to your own child's health needs. Other reasons why a child may need to see a dentist is due to toothache, teeth abnormalities, permanent teeth growing in behind baby teeth, fractured teeth, and many other concerns parents or children have about their teeth.