A dentist for children is well known as a pediatric dentist or pedodontist. They are specifically trained to treat dental problems in children. A pediatric dentist specializes in the dental needs of children and adolescents. Pediatric dentists focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity (mouth, teeth and gums) and the maxillofacial area (head, neck, face and jaw).
Pediatric dentists also maintain the function and appearance of these areas. The overall goal of pediatric dentists is to help their patients maintain a healthy mouth, teeth and gums and establish healthy oral habits for life. Dentists, like doctors, can specialize in different fields. Some focus on root canal treatments, others focus solely on gum care, and a few choose to work with children.
Pediatric dentists focus exclusively on caring for teeth in infants, children, and teens. All pediatric dentists are general dentists, but not all general dentists are pediatric dentists. This is the main difference between the two. Pediatric dentists have to go through a similar education process with four years of dental school.
But this is where general dentists stop. Pediatric dentists must continue their additional studies for two to three years in order to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Through these additional studies, pediatric dentists are trained to treat children's specific problems, child behavior, and children with special needs. This means that your pediatric dentist has done everything possible to protect and care for children's mouths and teeth.
For example, at Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, children can feel at home with movies that play on the ceiling above each dental chair. Some differences you may notice between a general dental office and a pediatric dental office are the child's approach.
