Taking your child to the dentist for regular exams and cleanings is one of the keys to good oral health. But when it comes to choosing a dentist, you might be wondering about a pediatric dentist vs. a general dentist.
While both provide excellent care, there are key differences between the two types of dental professionals.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- What a pediatric dentist is
- The benefits of pediatric dentistry
- The differences between a pediatric dental office vs. a normal office
- What makes a pediatric dentist the best dentist for kids
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
You probably take your child to a pediatrician instead of your own general practitioner, right? Well, think of a pediatric dentist as the pediatrician of the dental world. While both a general dentist and a general practitioner can technically perform an exam on a child and treat some common problems, that’s not the focus of their practice or training.
Pediatric dentists complete a residency program, which entails two to three extra years of specialty training after dental school. During this time, they gain clinical experience and build expertise in:
- Childhood dental development (from baby teeth to teen years!)
- Treating kids with special healthcare needs
- Behavioral techniques to make visits comfortable and stress-free
- Safe sedation methods for young or anxious patients
Pediatric Dentist vs. General Dentist: What’s the Difference?
A general dentist treats patients of all ages, meaning their office and approach are typically designed for adults. While, as we said, many general dentists and family dentists can treat children, they don’t have the same specialized training as pediatric dentists.
| Feature | Pediatric Dentist | General Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized post-doctoral training in treating kids? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Kid-friendly office environment? | ✅ Yes, fun and child-centered | ❌ More clinical, adult-focused |
| Behavioral techniques for anxious kids? | ✅ Yes, trained in child psychology | ❌ Limited experience |
| Treats kids with special healthcare needs? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not always |
| Treats kids with special healthcare needs? | ✅ Yes | ❌ General knowledge |
What’s Better: Pediatric Dentistry or General Dentistry?
If your child is comfortable at a general dentist, that’s great! However, pediatric dentistry has unique advantages that can make dental visits easier and more effective for little ones.
Here are some of the top benefits of pediatric dentistry:
- A Fun, Kid-Friendly Environment
As far as pediatric dental office vs. normal office, a pediatric office is designed specifically for kids. You’ll likely find:- Bright, welcoming décor (not a sterile, intimidating setting!)
- Smaller, kid-sized chairs and tools for comfort
- Toys, games and prizes to make visits fun and provide positive reinforcement
- At Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, we want kids to love coming to the dentist, so we create a positive, engaging experience from start to finish.
- Gentle and Kid-Focused Treatment
General dentists often do a two-to-three-week rotation in pediatric dentistry during dental school. Pediatric dentists, on the other hand, spend two or three years focusing on treating children.During this time, they’re trained in delivering efficient, gentle care and using kid-friendly language and techniques, such as “Tell-Show-Do” and positive reinforcement. They’re experts in helping kids understand what’s happening and making them feel safe and relaxed. - Expertise in Baby Teeth and Growing Smiles
Pediatric dentists specialize in the unique dental needs of growing kids, including:- Monitoring baby teeth and permanent tooth development
- Preventing and treating cavities early
- Identifying and treating issues like tongue and lip ties
- Managing thumb-sucking and pacifier habits
- Educating kids and parents on oral health and hygiene
- Special Care for Anxious Kids and Special Needs Patients
If your child has dental anxiety or special healthcare needs, a pediatric dentist is the best dentist to see. They have:- Calming strategies tailored to each child
- Specialized equipment and training
- Sedation options when needed
When Should My Child See a Pediatric Dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit a pediatric dentist:
- By their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth
- Every six months for check-ups and cleanings
- Any time they experience dental pain, injury or oral concerns
The earlier kids visit the dentist, the more comfortable they’ll be, which helps to establish lifelong healthy habits.
How Can I Find a Pediatric Dentist Near Me?
Looking for the best dentist for kids? Here are some tips for choosing a good pediatric dentist:
- Search for a pediatric dental specialist
- Look for an office designed for kids (fun, bright and welcoming!)
- Read parent reviews to see what other families are saying
- Meet the dentist and team to make sure your child feels comfortable
Final Thoughts
When it comes to pediatric vs. general dentists, both can provide great care, but a pediatric dentist is specially trained in dentistry for kids. They know how to provide a kid-friendly experience, and that can make a huge difference in your child’s comfort and oral health.
Book an Appointment With a Pediatric Dentist in Naperville!
If you’re in the Chicagoland area and looking for a pediatric dentist near you, Innovative Pediatric Dentistry has you covered.
As part of the Innovative Dental Partners family, we’re under the same roof as Innovative Orthodontic Centers and Naperville Dental Specialists (general and specialty dentistry for adults). You can enjoy the convenience of visiting one convenient location for the entire family’s dental needs while your child receives the kid-focused care they deserve.
Book an appointment at our Naperville, IL office today!
