Your child's dental health is a crucial part of their overall well-being. It's important to find dental services that suit your family's needs. According to the CDC, nearly 87% of children between the ages of two and 17 years had a dental visit in the past year. Keeping your child motivated for dental visits can sometimes depend heavily upon the dentist you choose. Let's look at some of the differences between pediatric dentistry and general dentistry to help you make the best choice for your family.

Education and Training

One of the key differences you'll find with a pediatric dentist is that they have undergone training specific to caring for children. Undergraduate work and dental school are the same for both types of dental professionals, but in addition to four years of undergraduate and four years of dental school, a pediatric dentist will also have two additional years of training in pediatric care. This gives you the assurance that these professionals are highly trained to provide your child with the best possible dental experience.

Orthodontic Pre-Assessment

A pediatric dentist will often include orthodontic pre-assessment as part of their general care. This type of exam is intended to identify the need for orthodontic treatment in minors. This type of assessment can be useful in early prevention of some orthodontic problems.

Office Environment

One of the most significant differences between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist will be the office environment. A pediatric dentist will go to great lengths to ensure the office environment is geared toward children. This often includes bright colors, child-friendly furniture, and lots of toys and games to occupy little ones in the waiting room.

Dental Equipment

It's also necessary that specialized pediatric dental equipment be available in the pediatric office. A child's mouth is much smaller than an adult's. General dental equipment will not work for children. The use of properly sized dental equipment can help ensure your child has a comfortable and non-traumatic experience at the dentist.

Child Friendly Exams

Not only will pediatric dentists be trained to treat dental issues of children, but they are also trained to treat the emotions and anxieties of children visiting the dentist. It's important that children feel relaxed and secure when having dental work done. This ensures that they will continue to visit the dentist for years to come.

If you're looking for a pediatric dentist near you, please contact us today. We are here for your dental needs.

Posted: 12/15/23