What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

Your family dentist may say that they see kids of all ages, but that doesn’t mean that they’re a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist actually goes through more specialized training than a general dentist in order to meet kids’ unique needs in the dental chair.

Initial Training

In the beginning, a pediatric dentist’s schooling is much the same as a general dentist’s. They go through undergraduate schooling and dental school to receive their initial degrees. It’s often during this time, or during their residency, that a dentist discovers a passion for treating children.

Specialty Certification

To become pediatric dentists, everyone on our team has gone through additional training and certification. This is where we learned how to address the unique needs of your children. We learned how kids’ teeth and mouths develop, how to properly care for your infant’s mouth even before teeth come in, and even how proper nutrition can aid in good oral health for your little ones. Some of our team members have also achieved board certification. This involves sitting for board examinations.

Kids’ Dental Needs

It’s important to remember that your child isn’t just a tiny adult, and that goes for his dental health, too. Baby teeth play an important role in preparing the mouth for permanent teeth, so good oral hygiene is important even in the early years. But children often aren’t prepared for the responsibility. Pediatric dentists make dentistry more fun and engaging while stressing the importance of a healthy smile. We’re also trained to work with children with special needs and behavioral concerns. Our goal is to help every parent and child feel safe and comfortable in our care.

Bringing your child to a pediatric dentist can help ensure that they are getting care tailored to their personality and needs. At Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry, we see children as young as six months old and continue seeing them through their teenage years.