Children’s Dentist vs. General Dentist

Selecting your child's dental care provider is just as important as choosing their pediatrician. A children's dentist provides oral care specific to your child's unique needs. While general dentists complete training to treat patients of all ages, there are some striking differences between the two.

Training and expertise

One of the main differences between general dentists and children's dentist lies in their expertise and training. While both dental professionals obtain a dental degree from a four-year dental program, which allows them to provide basic dental care for patients of all ages, a children's dentist undergoes an additional two to three years of specialized training in pediatric dentistry.

The additional two- to three-year training equips children's dentists with the knowledge and skills to handle the unique dental needs of children and infants, including oral development, behavior management, and the treatment of childhood-specific conditions. Additionally, they are more likely to be equipped to care for special needs children properly.

Child-friendly environments

Children's dentists are more likely to have an entire office that is child-friendly as opposed to one area or room. A child-friendly environment is the first step to ensuring a positive dental experience for children. This environment's design will cater to children's sensibilities with colorful, vibrant waiting areas and procedure rooms that help reduce anxiety and fear. They will likely have dedicated play or entertainment rooms to help distract children during each appointment. In addition, the dental staff in children's dental offices are also specially trained to interact with children in a comforting and gentle manner, making the overall experience more enjoyable and smooth for children and parents.

Communication style

Children's dentists are skilled in managing the behavior associated with children of all ages. The training they receive enables them to carefully and strategically work with those displaying signs of dental anxiety or fear. In addition to distraction techniques, they will use positive reinforcements to make the experience more comfortable. The entire staff will also exhibit excellent communication skills by explaining the procedure steps simply, using age-appropriate language and visuals. This explanation is usually done during each step of the procedure but can sometimes be done before it begins. The type and timing of explanations depend on each child.

Treatments and services

Children can experience some dental conditions that adults do not. Children's dentists provide care tailored to those needs and more. They deeply understand the unique oral challenges children can face, such as gum disease in infants, tooth decay, and early orthodontic needs. They also provide preventative services that protect children's teeth, especially since they are learning about the importance of oral care, such as fluoride applications and dental sealants.