Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating children's dental problems and only provide care for kids from toddlers to teens and young adults. They have completed several years of specialized training beyond dental school and limit their practice to treating the oral health needs of infants and children during adolescence, including those with special health needs. To find a dentist to care for your child, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website or insurekidsnow. General dentists, also known as family dentists, don't have any particular dental specialty and generally function as primary care providers for things like dental cleanings, fillings, cosmetic dentistry, and other dental services.
Both pediatric and general dentists must obtain a doctorate in dental surgery (DDS) or a doctorate in dental medicine (DMD) after their bachelor's degree. If your child has oral development or orthodontic problems, it may be best to see a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist offers a wide range of treatment options, as well as experience and training to care for your child's teeth, gums, and mouth. To obtain a pediatric specialization, a dentist who has earned their DMD or DDS must also receive additional training after dental school.
In the case of a pediatric dentist, the doctor has chosen to obtain a specialty certification in pediatric dentistry, which requires two additional years of training during their residency. It's also important to note that, while a general dentist can also be called a family dentist, you cannot use the title “pediatric dentist” unless you are certified in the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with children's developing teeth and jaws, child behavior, physical growth and development, and children with special needs. During this residency program, the pediatric dentist will learn more about common conditions affecting children and will focus on areas of study such as children's orthodontics, oral surgery for children, psychology and child development.
Pediatric dentists don't take x-rays of baby teeth unless they suspect tooth decay or need to examine the root of a baby tooth. A good dentist specializing in pediatric dentistry in Houston, Texas who enjoys serving the needs of growing patients is someone your child enjoys seeing and trusts.
