Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special needs.
What is a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. They go through the same dental schooling as general dentists, which includes training in children’s dental care, but also additional training after dental school. These dentists specialize in conditions that can affect your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw as they grow.
The specialty includes training in:
- child psychology
- childhood growth and development
- care for anxious children
- treating patients with special needs
Pediatric dentists usually limit their practice to treating only children but may also treat adults with special needs. They often decorate their offices with bright colors or fun themes to make it feel like a kids’ space. In the waiting room of a pediatric dental office, you might find more children's toys, books and TV content than in a general dentist’s office.
Does my child need to see a pediatric dentist?
When choosing between a general (or family) dentist and a pediatric dentist, there’s no “wrong” answer for your child if they see that dentist regularly. In some cases, a child will need to see both a general and a pediatric dentist. Whether you choose one over the other as your child’s primary dentist will depend on the specific needs of your child and family.
Like family medicine doctors, general dentists are qualified to provide a high level of care to patients of all ages. A general dentist can clean your child’s teeth, help them prevent cavities, and diagnose and treat dental conditions. If you already have a family dentist you trust, that dentist can provide your child with care.
But a general dentist may refer your child to a pediatric dentist if they would benefit from more specialized care. If your child would benefit from pediatric dental care—for health or behavioral reasons—or would simply feel more comfortable in an environment purposefully designed for children, a pediatric dentist is also a great option.
How do pediatric dentists treat kids’ dental health?
Since every child is different, pediatric dentists have a wide range of approaches to help a child complete needed dental treatment.
A pediatric dentist makes a recommendation of behavior guidance methods for a child based upon health history, special health care needs, dental needs, type of treatment required, the consequences of no treatment, emotional and intellectual development, and parental preferences.
When should my child first see the dentist?
Whether your child sees a general or pediatric dentist, their first dental visit should take place after that first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. As soon as your baby has teeth, they can get cavities. Being proactive about your child’s dental health today can help keep their smile healthy for life.
If you do choose a pediatric dentist, know before a visit how your dental benefits apply. Some plans require referrals from general dentists for a specialist like a pediatric dentist, while others let you make a pediatric dentist your child’s primary dentist.
Need a dentist? Use the ADA’s Find-a-Dentist tool to find one in your area. For more information about pediatric dentistry, visit My Children's Teeth.