Why Choose A Kids Dentist for Your Child

Simply put, a kids dentist, or pediatric dentist, specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing oral health conditions in children. Many parents choose a general dentist, often the same one they attend, for their child out of convenience. However, a kids dentist offers specialized services and a professional environment that helps young patients build a positive experience with proper dental care.

Kids’ dentists are specially trained

While general and kids' dentists must receive a four-year bachelor's degree and complete dental school from accredited institutions, the latter must go further. They must complete an additional two to three years of dental school, focusing solely on learning about the oral cavity and conditions pertaining to infants and children.

Additionally, they will receive training and in-depth knowledge in psychology and behavior management. This training extends to children who require special attention due to mental impairments.

Bedside manner

Their training goes beyond technical skills. Kids' dentists often have more patients when caring for them than a general dentist might. The same can be said for their staff, both care and administration. In a pediatric dental office, all hands are on deck to ensure the little ones feel comfortable and supported while receiving the necessary care.

Additionally, it is common for kids to experience a level of dental anxiety, especially if they have never had a checkup or endured a bad past experience surrounding oral care. That makes bedside manner from every team member they come in contact with integral for a smooth appointment.

A kids' dentist and their team will also know how to communicate effectively with younger patients to help set the foundation of their oral health. That means team members know how to "get on their level" to promote a positive experience, whether patients are toddlers or teens.

Kid-friendly equipment

While bedside manners are a great tool for promoting a positive experience for kids, let us discuss the equipment. In general dentistry, kids use the same equipment as adults, often making them appear overtly large in their eyes. At a kids' dentist's office, these tools are not necessary. Kids' dentists utilize small tools and are often not as loud to perform necessary treatments. Though this may seem minor, these simple changes go a long way in providing a smooth experience for kids.

The overall goal of a kids’ dentist

Remember, more than anything, kids' dentists are here to ensure that their patients' oral health status is where it should be to support their overall development. This means they greatly stress the importance of preventative care in the office and at home. When scheduling an appointment, kids may undergo the following services:

• Physical exams
• Imaging testing
• Cleanings
• Flouride treatments
• Dental sealants

Of course, we understand that kids will be kids, so the dentist can still perform corrective procedures like dental fillings and crowns to preserve the natural tooth structure while eliminating threats.

Each appointment will serve as a guide for improving their oral health between appointments. We encourage parents to stress that the more effort kids put into their oral care routines at home, the less time they will have to spend in a dental chair.