What is a Pediatric Dentist?

To begin, a pediatric dentist goes to school for an additional 2 years, after dental school, to learn psychiatric techniques to calm the anxious child, specific anatomy of baby teeth (greatly different from adult teeth), achieving certification in the use of nitrous oxide, conscious sedation and general anesthesia as a toolkit to provide dental services to children. These details give the pediatric dentist an advantage in treating anxious children and building confidence in their dental health.

In addition, if your child were to have a dental emergency, you would need to be a patient of record to access after-hours care or an emergency appointment. Pediatric dentists are specifically trained to handle pediatric dental emergencies.

Finally, most pediatric dental offices are set up to specifically cater to children. Similar to your pediatrician's office, the instruments, used, dental chairs, x-rays, etc. are smaller to meet the needs of smaller mouths. Games and prizes are common protocol to insure a positive, fun visit. Also, the décor is provided with the intent of specifically delighting a child's taste and comfort.

The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the Emergency Room for parents.