What is the Difference Between a Pediatric Dentist and a Family Dentist?
Both a pediatric dentist and a family dentist must go to dental school for four years to earn their dental degree (either a DDS-Doctor of Dental Surgery or DMD-Doctor of Dental Medicine). After completing the four year degree, a dentist is able to practice all aspects of dentistry. Some dentists will continue their education into one of the nine dental specialties. Pediatrics is one of the disciplines that a dentist can further their knowledge and training in. A pediatric dental residency is traditionally a two year advanced program that bring a dentist’s general knowledge in treating children into becoming an expert in providing care to infants, children and adolescents. Training areas of a pediatric dentist training program include managing and treating children’s developing teeth and child behavior and behavioral techniques to guide both anxious children and children with special health care needs through a visit successfully. Other areas of advanced education include more in depth learning on growth and development, treatment of traumatic injuries and multiple other areas including researching new techniques in pediatric dentistry.
Listed below are some of the outstanding features that a pediatric dentist can offer your child:
- Specially designed equipment and environment sized just right for your child
- Kid friendly and age appropriate communication and terminology
- Coaching you and your child on how to take care of their dental care
- Fun colors, special toys and age appropriate rewards
- Techniques and treatments fit to your child’s individual needs
- Special training in emergency trauma
- A better understanding of how emotional factors can influence your child’s behavior
- Specially trained staff that work with children on a day to day basis
- Experience and wisdom to work at an age appropriate level with your child
Taking your child to a pediatric dentist is a choice you can make to provide your child with the best care available. Please call our office today to learn more about doctors and the team at The Kids Dentist in Mequon. You can reach us at (262) 766-7041. We look forward to making your visit to the dentist a great experience for both child and parent.
