Did you know that a pediatric dentist is different from a general or family dentist?
Pediatric dentists have an additional two to three years of study in residency. In this
blog post we’ll review some of what pediatric dentists learn during those two years and
the benefits of taking your child to a pediatric dental practice.
To become a dentist, one must first obtain a bachelor’s degree, usually in biological
sciences, and then spend four years studying dentistry. Once finished with dental
school, pediatric dentists continue their education with a two to three year program that
teaches even more about caring for patients from their first tooth, through their teenage
years. The residency program not only provides additional dental skills, but also teaches
pediatric dentists important elements of child psychology and development. Pediatric dental programs start with adapting the skills learned in dental school to
provide comprehensive oral care for toddlers, children, and adolescents. It’s important
to remember that baby teeth are not just miniature adult teeth, and that you cannot
approach children the same way you approach adults when it comes to oral health care.
Training in residencies emphasize growth and development, cavity prevention, diet, and
behavioral and psychological development from infancy through adulthood. Pediatric
dentistry is the only dental specialty that is defined by age, and it also includes those
with special health care needs.
The years in which teeth are developing are the most important time of their life, and
most people don’t realize that for baby teeth, this time starts during pregnancy. The
dental habits formed can last a lifetime and the issues that a pediatric dentist can
foresee and diagnose can prevent future dental issues. When children visit their
pediatric dentist regularly, it can save time, money, discomfort, and prevent dental
anxieties.
Pediatric dentists are also specially trained to deal with the emotions of children visiting
their practice. Child development and child psychology classes can help manage pre-
treatment fear and anxiety in an age appropriate manner. Pediatric dental residents
learn how to treat special needs patients,and how to safely administer different forms of
anesthesia.
To further their education even more, many pediatric dentists will also become
Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. This is a “volunteer
examination process that continually validates [a pediatric dentist’s] knowledge, skills,their online roster.