As a parent, you already know how important it is to make sure your child’s growing smile is well-cared for. Thus, you’ll want to find a good dentist that can meet all of your little one’s needs while making sure they stay relaxed and comfortable. But what kind of practice should you look for? Are you better off finding a pediatric dentist that only sees children, or should you look for a family dentist that treats patients of all ages? Read on to learn more about your options when it comes to children’s dentistry.
What is the Difference Between a Family Dentist and a Pediatric Dentist?
A family dentist is somewhat similar to a general dentist because they don’t specialize in a particular field; instead, they offer a variety of dental services under one roof. However, general dentists may have a minimum age for their patients. In contrast, a family dentist is able to see adults and children of all ages.
On the other hand, pediatric dentists undergo two or three years of training (in addition to the regular four years spent at dental school) so that they can specialize in working with children. Their training focuses on the developmental stages your little one’s mouth will go through as well as child psychology; this prepares them to deal with a variety of situations and behaviors. They normally only accept patients until they reach the age of 18 or 20.
Which One is Better for Your Child?
There are a number of pros and cons associated with seeing either type of dentist. In most cases, however, it’s a good idea to look for a family dentist rather than one that specializes in pediatrics. This is because a family dentist is more convenient; since adults can be seen as well, you can schedule your child’s checkups on the same day as your own, meaning you don’t have to worry about making time to drive to different practices on different days. You’ll also be able to enjoy a wider menu of services to address your family’s unique needs. And once your child grows up, they won’t have to worry about finding a new dental home. They can just continue to visit the dentist they grew up with!
Of course, this is just a broad generalization. One way to determine the best practice to take your child to is to schedule a consultation with the practice. That way, you can see for yourself what the environment is like and get a feel for the kind of care you can expect your child to receive. Take the extra time and effort to find the right dentist that will leave your child feeling good about their smile.
About Clear Coast Dental
Here at Clear Coast Dental, our three skilled dentists have been trained to treat all kinds of patients, including young children. With dental sealants, fluoride treatments, nightguards, and other child-friendly services, we’ll help your little one’s smile stay healthy as they grow, and we can continue to treat them even after they become adults. To schedule a checkup for your child at our New Bedford office, visit our website or call (508) 997-1030.
