Choosing a Kids Dentist vs. a General Dentist: Why It Matters

Choosing a kids dentist is an important step toward helping your child develop good oral health. Though general dentists provide effective adult care, they may not be best suited for kids' unique dental needs. Therefore, when deciding on a dentist for your child, consider a dental professional whose training and experience focus on children's dentistry.

Reasons to choose a kids dentist

Every child should have their first dental appointment within six months of the eruption of their first tooth or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Starting early helps set children on a solid path toward lifelong dental wellness and instills enthusiasm for taking care of their teeth. The following are the key reasons a pediatric dentist is best suited to oversee children's oral healthcare.

Specialized education and training

Kids dentists undergo extra education and training in addition to general dentistry schooling that prepares them for working with children. A pediatric dentist completes an additional two to three years of training and study in the dental care of infants, toddlers, kids, and teens. Kids' mouths are very different from adults', and care for them is different. While a general dentist will have some knowledge of kids, they may lack expertise in pediatric-specific issues to provide appropriate care.

Providing child-focused care and services

Because care is different, the type of services a general dentist offers can differ widely from those offered by a kids dentist. A general dentist is likely to focus more on adult care issues such as gum disease prevention or cosmetic dentistry. However, a kids dentist will focus more on preventing cavities, recognizing early orthodontic issues, and other dental issues specific to developing mouths.

Creating a kid-friendly atmosphere

Children can be especially anxious about going to the dentist. Therefore, a pediatric dentist tailors their office to be welcoming to children and ease their anxieties. They will decorate their office with children in mind and hire staff who are good at working with children. From the waiting room to the exam rooms, a pediatric dentist will create an atmosphere geared towards children to help kids create a positive association with going to the dentist.

Good dental educators for children

A kids dentist plays an important role in a child's dental education. This requires the ability to put children at ease with going to the dentist while making it fun and interesting. A kids dentist will know how to make learning about dental care fun. They will take the opportunity to reward children's learning and development of good dental habits with positive reinforcement. Accomplishing this requires in-depth knowledge of dental care for kids coupled with an understanding of how to communicate information to children in a fun and interesting way.