Choosing Between a General and Pediatric Dentist

When choosing a dentist for your children, should you select:

A. a general family dentist

or
B. a pediatric dentist?

Answer: A or B.

You can’t go wrong either way, but it’s good to have all the facts before you make a decision. Let’s compare similarities and differences and note a couple of special considerations.

Similarities

Both accredited general and pediatric dentists have the training necessary to offer a high level of care to children. If you have a family dentist you trust to provide quality care, that dentist can be a great option for your littlest family members.

Differences

While general dentistry training covers dental care for children, pediatric dentists spend at least 2 additional years studying how to care for younger patients. Once they have completed their training, they provide primary and specialty care for children only.

As a result, they have smaller equipment specifically designed for children’s mouths. These are especially helpful when children need more complicated dental care such as root canals.

Pediatric dentists have also been trained in explaining dental procedures and proper oral hygiene in child-appropriate language. Don’t be surprised if they even present a toy or other small reward at the end of a visit. Your children may anticipate their next dentist visit like a family outing, especially since many pediatric dental offices have been furnished to resemble indoor playgrounds. 

Caring for special dental needs and special-needs children

While general dentists typically provide assistance to children with high dental anxiety, a pediatric dentist may be the better option if your children have special needs. This includes such conditions as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, learning disabilities and others.

Pediatric dentists have completed special training on how to best assist those children. That’s because their special needs are associated with increased rates of gum disease, tooth decay and missing teeth, making meticulous oral health care all the more important.

Check your dental benefits

If you’ve decided to visit a pediatric dentist, find out how your dental benefits apply. Some plans limit referrals to specialists or may require you to have a referral from your general dentist. Others allow families to maintain a pediatric dentist as their primary dentist.

Check your plan to make sure. In any case, visit a specialist that participates in your plan’s network. Delta Dental’s website allows you to search for in-network specialists close to you.

When should your child’s first dental visit take place?

Whether you choose a general or pediatric dentist, the timing of your child’s first visit is crucial.

Do you know when?

A. Within 6 months of baby’s first tooth, but no later than baby’s first birthday.

B. During the toddler years, at age 3 or 4.

C. Just before they start kindergarten.

Answer: A

Scheduling the first visit early is crucial. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends all babies see the dentist within six months of getting their first tooth but no later than their first birthday. 

Then keep up regular preventive care visits, typically every six months. Your children’s dentist plays a vital role in keeping them smiling into adulthood. Find a dentist you trust today.

Let’s talk every month

Sign up for our monthly Chatter to receive bite-sized tips and recommendations of how to keep your teeth, smile and eyesight healthy.