You’re looking for a dentist for your child, and you’ve noticed some dental offices advertise as family practices while others specialize in pediatric care. What’s the real difference between a pediatric dentist vs family dentist, and which one should you choose?
What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field focused exclusively on treating children from infancy through their teenage years.
A pediatric specialist dentist completes an additional two to three years of training after dental school, learning specifically about children’s oral development, behavior management, and specialized treatment techniques for young patients.
What Do Pediatric Dentists Do?
Pediatric dentists are experts in addressing dental issues unique to children. These specialists know how baby teeth develop, when they should fall out, and how to spot potential problems early.
They handle everything from routine cleanings to more complex procedures like early orthodontic care and treating dental emergencies in children.
Pediatric Dentist vs Family Dentist
These are the main differences between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist:
Training & Education
When comparing a pediatric & family dentistry professional, the main difference lies in their training. Family dentists provide general dentistry for kids and adults alike, but they don’t have the extra years of specialized training in pediatric care.
While they’re qualified to clean teeth and fill cavities, they might not have the same depth of experience with child-specific issues or complex developmental concerns.
Office Environment & Equipment
Pediatric dental offices are designed with kids in mind — from smaller dental tools to child-sized chairs. The entire staff undergoes training, specifically working with children, making the experience less intimidating for young patients. You’ll find age-appropriate entertainment, calming decor, and specialized equipment that’s sized just right for little mouths.
Treatment Approach & Expertise
A pediatric dentist understands child psychology and development stages. They’ll explain procedures in ways kids can understand and use specialized techniques to keep your child comfortable throughout their visit.
At iSmile, we’re also experts at spotting potential issues early in a child’s oral development. Their focused training means they can better handle behavioral challenges, dental anxiety, and special needs patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are pediatric dentists so expensive?
The cost reflects their additional training, specialized equipment, and focused expertise. They invest in specific tools designed for children’s teeth, and their extra education requirements contribute to their rates.
Why use a pediatric dentist?
Choosing a pediatric dentist means working with someone who specializes in treating children exclusively. We have dentists that understand how to make dental visits positive experiences, which can help prevent dental anxiety later in life.
What does pediatric mean in dentistry?
In dentistry, pediatric means focusing on the oral health of children. This includes understanding baby teeth development, managing oral habits like thumb sucking, and addressing unique challenges that come with treating young patients.
Final Thoughts
Your choice between a pediatric dentist vs family dentist will depend on your child’s specific needs. If your child has dental anxiety, special needs, or complex oral health issues, a pediatric specialist like iSmile might be your best choice.
We have the expertise to provide specialized care that can set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health.