Pediatric Dentist Versus a Family Dentist

Pediatric Dentist Scottsdale, AZ

Should children be seeing a family dentist or a pediatric dentist? While many adults and teenagers see a general or family dentist for all dental concerns, is that the best choice for children? This decision is a dilemma that many parents face as young children begin to develop baby teeth. While for some parents the answer is obvious, others need to weigh the pros and cons of bringing a child to a dental specialist versus a general practitioner, who is also capable of performing the same care with the convenience of being the family dentist. However, to appropriately weigh the pros and cons of such a decision, it is necessary to understand the differences between pediatric and family dentistry.

Getting to know the differences

There are several objectives to consider when a parent is deciding on which dentist is best for a child: Development, experience and anxiety. Development refers to tooth growth and health. As a parent, the primary goal is to set children up with a healthy routine and a regular dentist to ensure continuity of care. Next, a child should have a decent experience with the dentist to create a level of comfort around dental visits. Last, a parent should be concerned with a child’s emotional state. Rational or not, many children and adults fear the dentist, and it is a parent’s job to find the professional best suited to reducing that anxiety. Therefore, while each type of dentist is capable of performing the same duties, they have different approaches to each service and environment, which should be considered.

Family dentist

A family dentist is typically a general dentist, which means that they do not have any specializations. However, this lack of a specialty does not mean that a family dentist is not capable or qualified to perform dentistry. Every licensed dentist undergoes schooling and qualifying testing to be licensed and certified by the state. Although, as a general dentist, the patient pool is varied, meaning that the dental experience is not geared toward children, which may make a dental visit more difficult for a child, especially for an initial visit and exam.

Pediatric dentist

Pediatric dentistry, alternatively, is a specialty, and one that requires an additional two to three years of study. The additional schooling is specifically geared toward children's behavior, needs and unique dental issues. Also, the practice is entirely geared toward children's overall experience with the dentist. Therefore, the additional training and focused approach to the practice of dentistry provides parents and children with several advantages over a family dentist:

  • Certified and trained to treat children specifically
  • More experience with children equates to more familiarity with childhood dental issues
  • Smaller dental tools geared more toward children
  • Offices designed around children, making for a fun experience
  • Experience and training in preventative care for children
  • Certification prepares for caring for special needs children

Conclusion

While a family dentist is qualified to treat people of all ages, a pediatric dentist has received training to specifically treat children. Therefore, when searching for the right dentist for children, it may be wise to look for someone specializing in pediatric dentistry.

Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

A Dental Practice Answers Your Questions About Gum Disease

It is often easy to prevent gum disease through regular dental practice visits and flossing and brushing. Still, it is a good idea to know more about the condition. The dentist can answer a patient’s questions about gum disease. Continue reading to learn more.Gum disease is a common cause of lost teeth in many adults.…

Dental Practice Questions: What Can Soda Do To Teeth?

Your dental practice might have already told you that sugar is horrible for both teeth and gums. That includes candy, cookies, cake, and pies but also sweet sodas. The average person in the U.S. drinks almost 40 gallons of soda a year. That alone keeps a dental practice busy. With that level of consumption, it…

Ask A Dental Practice: What Foods Are Healthy For The Teeth?

As part of a dental practice, a dentist educates patients on healthy eating. When it comes to eating right, most people think of dieting or getting the body healthy. However, what you put into your body also has a direct effect on the health of your gums and teeth. Even people who have their teeth…

Understanding Orthodontic Options: Braces, Aligners, And Beyond

Orthodontics is concerned with realigning the teeth and jaw, such as with braces or aligners. A general dentist can discuss several orthodontic treatments, helping patients explore their options. Learning about what each orthodontic option involves can help patients or their caregivers choose the one best suited to smile goals and lifestyle preferences.Orthodontic care includes a…

Recent Posts

A Dental Practice Answers Your Questions About Gum Disease

A Dental Practice Answers Your Questions About Gum Disease

It is often easy to prevent gum disease through regular dental practice visits and flossing and brushing. Still, it is a good idea to know more about the condition. The dentist can answer a patient’s questions about gum disease. Continue reading to learn more.Gum disease is a common cause of lost teeth in many adults.…

Dental Practice Questions: What Can Soda Do To Teeth?

Dental Practice Questions: What Can Soda Do To Teeth?

Your dental practice might have already told you that sugar is horrible for both teeth and gums. That includes candy, cookies, cake, and pies but also sweet sodas. The average person in the U.S. drinks almost 40 gallons of soda a year. That alone keeps a dental practice busy. With that level of consumption, it…