You may be surprised to learn that there are different types of dentists for different dental needs. One notable example is pediatric dentistry. Children demand special care from day one to grow healthy and strong and oral care is no different.

Pediatric dentistry offers many distinctions from general dentistry, from the office to the training, all accumulating to specialty-focused care that will leave everyone in the family smiling after their first visit. Today, we’ll go over the ways pediatric dentists are specially equipped to treat children’s oral health.

Training

To practice general dentistry, one must graduate from an accredited undergraduate school, then complete four years of dental school, passing boards and certifications along the way. Then, to become a pediatric dentist, one must complete a two to three years post graduate residency program. During this residency, the dentist learns about child development, child psychology, surgical techniques on children, trauma-related injuries on children, etc. As you can see, general dentistry by itself is a specialized field, and pediatric dentistry requires even further schooling, training and certifications to treat children. 

Demeanor and Office Setting

Pediatric dentists are trained to treat sensitive and fearful children to positively present dental care and avoid making the child feel in any way ashamed, afraid, or stressed. Their offices also reflect this training, as you won’t find boring stuffy magazines, but activities, toys and bright interesting decor. 

A pediatric dentist knows how to keep children calm and focused, and if there is a problem, a parent won’t be left fending for themselves. Think of pediatric dentists as a lifeline—one that is smart and capable of helping your child through the appointment with ease. They have years of schooling and specialized training that keeps them in tune with child psychology and physiology and their office, atmosphere, and bedside manner is an extension of that knowledge. 

Equipment 

Naturally, the equipment in a pediatric dentists office will be suited for their younger clients, which (children from toddler age to 18). The tools will be smaller than those of a regular dentist office, and thus less menacing to a child, which is a big help to all involved. The dental chair in a pediatric dentists office is specialized for a child as well, to ensure a proper fit and adequate comfort.

Best for Children’s Oral Health

Not only does a pediatric dentist do all the things a regular dentist does, but they can help diagnose any oral issues a child may have and they know exactly how a child should properly care for their changing teeth. 

Everyone wants a dentist who can meet their child’s needs while making sure to catch any issues before they become a problem. In the event there is an issue found, they can get the right treatment fast to help remedy anything that may affect the acute or overall oral health of your child. A pediatric dentist has years of extra training, certification and schooling that is used to help find, diagnose and treat any issues that may arise on a visit. 

While you can take your child to a general dentist, it is highly recommended they see a pediatric dentist and make them their primary dentist for years to come. Pediatric dentists are trained to care for your child’s dental health for years to come, and they have offices that cater to and make each experience a pleasant one for you and your child. 

Trust Chillicothe Pediatric Dentistry

At Chillicothe Pediatric Dentistry, we take pride in creating and maintaining beautiful and healthy smiles for our young patients in an environment that is lighthearted and fun. We focus on establishing oral health habits that last a lifetime, with education and prevention as our primary tools.

We offer many services and options, no matter what your child’s oral health care needs are. Your child’s comfort and wellness are top priority. Give us a call today to set up an appointment for your child and see the difference that a great pediatric dentist can make!