Key Differences
- Education and training
- Patient Population
- Approach to treatment
When it comes to dental care, choosing the right pediatric dentist is important for the health and well-being of you and your child. A general dentist is a healthcare professional who is trained to diagnose, treat, and manage the overall health of the teeth, gums, and mouth. A pediatric dentist, on the other hand, is a specialist who is trained to provide dental care for children from infancy through adulthood.
While both types of dentists are trained to provide preventive care and diagnose and treat dental issues, there are some key differences between a general dentist and a pediatric dentist.
Education and training:
A general dentist typically completes a four-year dental program after earning a bachelor’s degree, while a pediatric dentist must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training after dental school. This additional training includes coursework in child psychology, growth and development, and treatment of children with special needs. This specialized education and training allows a pediatric dentist to have a deep understanding of the unique dental needs of children and how to effectively communicate with the little ones.
Patient population:
A general dentist treats patients of all ages, while a pediatric dentist focuses solely on children. Our Mission Viejo / Lake Forest Pediatric Dentist for example accepts patients from 1 to 21 years of age. This specialized focus allows a pediatric dentist to have a thorough understanding of the dental needs of children at different stages of development, as well as the most effective ways to communicate with and treat them.
Approach to treatment:
A pediatric dentist takes a more child-centered approach to treatment. They are trained to use child-friendly language and techniques to make the dental experience more comfortable and less intimidating for young patients. They are also skilled in using behavior management techniques to help anxious or fearful children feel more at ease during treatment. This child-centered approach can help ease anxiety.
The additional years of training and working with little ones on a daily bases provides a Pediatric Dentist with an advantage in taking care of the little one’s dental care needs. It is vital that each kid’s first few dental visits be as easy and positive as possible, building the pillars of success for great dental care and awareness.
If you are in the market for a new Pediatric Dentist and you live in Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Irvine or Laguna Hills our Mission Viejo Office is less than 15 minutes away.
