What is a Pedatric Dentist?

When growing families start to focus on keeping all the members healthy, parents often turn to medical doctors with age based specialties.  Dentistry is no different with pediatric dentists winston salem nc offering special skills to help maintain oral health for even the youngest family member.

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

Dentists who have finished particularly focused courses of dentistry that focus on children, including children with special needs or children who require a more gentle and careful approach to their oral health, are considered pediatric dentists.  The focused dentistry courses usually include more years of training after dental school graduation and the pediatric dentist candidate must also complete hospital training and various approaches to teeth straightening.  When children are hospitalized with severe dental issues and emergencies, those candidates can learn to treat the most serious cases under the direct supervision of pediatricians and general dentists.  Additionally, there is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry which is a professional organization of pediatric dentists and a research tool for interested families.

How Old Are Pediatric Dentists' Patients?

Like pediatricians, pediatric dentists usually treat children from birth to college, but there are certain instances of developmental issues or needs that best lend themselves to the unique qualification of pediatric dentists either in a hospital or office setting.  Often children who fall into those categories continue to see their pediatric dentist well after the age of 18.  The established relationship offers the pediatric dentist the advantage of knowing the patient’s dental history as well as a foundation of trust of the patient.  In any situation when the doctor has a clear and exact history of a patient, the treatment can be more targeted and yield better results, especially in more involved dental procedures.

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist Instead of a General Dentist?

Pediatric dentistry is covered in dental school, so all general dentists have some training completed under pediatric dentists before starting to practice.  Despite the training, just as some people are more comfortable around children, some general dentists are more at ease than others when it comes to treating children.  If your dentist does not treat many families or your dentist is not as familiar with behavioral issues specific to children, then it may be time to look into a referral for your child.  The AAPD website is a great place to start your search for the best pediatric dentist near you to treat your special needs child.

What Benefits Do Pediatric Dentists Offer to Children?

Just as most adults rely on their dentists to prevent and treat tooth decay, pediatric dentists help their patients in the same ways.  Unlike adults who can be responsible for their at home care, children need assistance with their at home dental care routines from adults.  Pediatric dentists educate parents, other dental professionals, and children on how to care for children’s teeth.  Other pediatric dentists choose to work at dental schools and perform research to help address oral health problems in children.

Finding the right pediatric dentist, establishing good habits at home and addressing dental issues as they arise will ensure your child has a toothy grin for years to come.

More About Pediatric Dentistry : Pediatric Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions