How Is Pediatric Dentistry Different?

All dentists are qualified to provide dental care to children, but only some are experts in kids and giving them dental care. These dentists are called pediatric dentists. They are different from general dentists and family dentists in a few key ways.

Training and Education

A prospective dentist must obtain a bachelor’s degree from a university and then complete dental school. After dental school, dentists have the opportunity to start a residency or begin practicing dentistry or specialize in a narrower field in dentistry, like orthodontics, endodontics, or pediatric dentistry. To become a pediatric dentist, candidates must complete a two to three-year pediatric dentistry program. During this program, they will learn all the skills and techniques needed to expertly treat children.

Equipment

Another way in which pediatric dentists are different is in their equipment and tools. Children have smaller mouths than adults, so pediatric dentists have tools for every stage of childhood, from infants to teens. Scalers, brushes, X-ray equipment, the examination chair, and more are kid-sized.

A pediatric practice is completely kid-focused. The inside and outside of a pediatric practice will appeal to children with bright colors, animals, and characters that help to make them feel more comfortable. Some pediatric dentists provide headphones for their young patients or have a television in the examination room. It can be very helpful for some kids not to hear drilling noises during their dentist appointment.

Experience

During a pediatric dentist’s specialty training, they spend a lot of time gaining experience working with all kinds of patients. Pediatric dentists are well versed in communicating with children and managing behavior for a wide range of personalities. In addition to their skills and tools, pediatric dentists simply love working with children!

Looking for a pediatric dentist for your children? Come visit Midland Dental & Oasis Kids and Orthodontics!