Dentists are often asked what the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist is. Many parents wonder if it is "worth" taking their child to a pediatric dentist rather than a general one.
Below, our Cobourg dentists outline the key differences between general and pediatric dentists and discuss why it could be beneficial to take your child to a pediatric dentist.
What is a pediatric dentist?
Qualifications & Training
The Canadian Dental Association recognizes 9 unique types of dentistry, including Pediatric.
To become a dentist, you must go to dental school. Some dental school graduates move on immediately to practice as dentists, and these are general dentists.
To become a pediatric dentist in Canada, dental school graduates must complete an accredited advanced education program in pediatric dentistry. Once they have completed this program, they will attain a specialty designation from the Provincial Dental Regulatory Authority in their province.
What do pediatric dentists do?
Pediatric dentists have specialized training in the specific oral health care needs of children, ranging from infants to teenagers.
Pediatric dentists address the following dental care needs specific to children:
- Baby teeth care
- Habit counseling: thumb sucking and pacifier habit-breaking
- Fillings for tooth cavities or defects
- Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, congenital heart defect, hay fever, and ADD / ADHD
- Preventive dental care for children: oral hygiene cleaning, fluoride treatments, nutrition and diet recommendations, etc.
- Infant oral health exams, including risk assessment for cavities
- Early orthodontic assessment & treatment: straightening teeth and correcting misalignment and bite problems (malocclusion)
- Dental care for children with special needs
Does my child need to go to a special dentist for children?
In most cases, it is not necessary to send your child to a pediatric dentistry specialist, as general dentists are equipped with the knowledge and tools to perform basic dental care on children.
That means that you can bring your child to your own dentist, and he or she will be well qualified to care for your child's teeth.
For children with unusual or more serious dental problems, or for those with disabilities, the specialized training of a pediatric dentist may be required.