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

Dental Implants: What A Dentist Wants You To Know

Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the look and function of their smile. When deciding whether to have the procedure, it is important to learn as much as possible about the treatment.There are a variety of things patients should know about dental implants when considering the procedure.Dental…

5 Facts About The Dental Implants Process

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. Patients who take the time to understand the implant process enjoy successful outcomes.A dental implant is a titanium post that a dentist anchors to the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After the implant successfully integrates with the jawbone, the…

Prerequisites For Getting Dental Implants

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, more than 120 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. Dental implants are a common treatment method and are becoming increasingly popular. Implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth and help to restore the functionality needed for proper biting, chewing, and even speaking. A potential recipient…

4 Tips To Prolong The Longevity Of Dental Bonding

One of the options to fix teeth imperfections such as chips, cracks, discolorations, and slim gaps is dental bonding. This procedure typically only takes 30 to 60 minutes, and it can greatly improve one's smile. However, teeth bonding does not last forever. It typically needs to be replaced every 10 years or so, although replacement…

Recent Posts

Dental Implants: What A Dentist Wants You To Know

Dental Implants: What A Dentist Wants You To Know

Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the look and function of their smile. When deciding whether to have the procedure, it is important to learn as much as possible about the treatment.There are a variety of things patients should know about dental implants when considering the procedure.Dental…

Facts About The Dental Implants Process

5 Facts About The Dental Implants Process

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. Patients who take the time to understand the implant process enjoy successful outcomes.A dental implant is a titanium post that a dentist anchors to the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After the implant successfully integrates with the jawbone, the…