Pedodontist is Dentistry For Children

A Pediatric Dentist, or Pedodontist Cary nc, is a dentist who specializes in the care of children’s teeth. Your child’s Pedodontist is just as important to their health as their Pediatrician and will help you learn how to properly care for your child’s developing teeth and gums.

What are the educational requirements for a Pedodontist?

Pedodontists complete dental school the same as a general dentist and then continue their education and training in a two to three year residency program. Here they study child development and psychology while working, hands on, to perfect the skills required to care for the younger patient set whose teeth are still in the stages of development. Children with special needs or advanced dental problems can especially benefit from the specialized care a Pedodontist can offer.

Why go to a Pedodontist?

Pediatric dentists use their additional specialized education and training to perform the same procedures a general or family dentist performs on children. They have a different level of care that is targeted for the younger patient and keeping them comfortable and safe. It is easy for a child to feel overwhelmed or anxious in a new environment with a bunch of new people and new noises. Pedo offices take this into consideration throughout the whole office. All staff are trained to talk and care for children so those with special needs can greatly benefit from a pediatric office and the gentle care they offer.

Pediatric Behavioral Guidance

Every patient is different. Each has unique needs and preferences. Taking into consideration the maturity level of each patient, Behavioral Guidance techniques can be implemented to help calm any fears or anxiety the child patient may feel. These may include:

• Positive reinforcement to encourage the child patient after successfully tolerating a procedure. Having their teeth cleaned by a new person can be stressful so reassuring the patient with positive words can be a simple way to ease the patient in their new environment.
• Tell-show-do has the dental professional telling the child patient what they will be doing and then showing them how is will be done. Doing the actual procedure is the final step in this second simple technique.

Just knowing what is going to happen can quiet a stressed child. You may consider taking your child to observe you having your teeth cleaned and examined. Even seeing another child successfully undergo a procedure can be very beneficial to calm their fears.

Choosing the right Dentist

You may consider asking your family dentist for a referral to a Pedodontist, as well as family and friends. You can also check the website for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists to find a list of Pediatric Dentists in your area. Take the time to do some research on any suggestions that are given to you and call potential offices. Ask about their scheduling policy and how they handle emergencies. Do they have weekend hours? Finding the office that will best fit your child and your family’s specific needs will help you provide the best dental care possible for your child.