Pedodontist: A Dentist For Children
Just like a pediatrician specializes in the health of children, there are dentists who specialize in treating the oral care of children. They specifically treat teeth which are still in development. We will review why a children's dentist in maple grove mn the best choice in caring for a child's oral health.
Pediatric Dentist Educational Requirements
Dentists who specializing in pediatric care are required to complete a two to three year residency program following their completion of dental school. The residency program focuses on deeper scientific studies in addition to hands-on experience. The primary areas of focus include child development, psychology, treating patients with special needs, oral/facial trauma care in addition to general anesthesia and sedation.
In addition to the rigorous residency program, pediatric dentists stay current in the field by completing continuing education courses annually.
Why See a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists have the skills and education necessary to perform similar dental procedures to general dentists. As a result of specialized training, they are able to effectively handle and treat many different patients. Their typical patients can include: infants, young children, adolescents and people with physical or mental disabilities.
Every child is different and likewise they respond differently to dental visits. Children who don’t go to the dentist often may be anxious or fearful in a new and strange environment. Additionally, it can be helpful to provide sedation or general anesthesia when extensive work is required for a young child or person with special needs.
Pediatric Behavioral Guidance
To help minimize fear and anxiety, pediatric dentists often use behavioral guidance techniques. These techniques are also used in situations where there may be pain. There are numerous different behavioral approaches. It’s important the pediatric dentist considers the child's dental needs, their emotional/intellectual maturity and the parent’s preferences.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) offers many methods for dentists to use in order to clearly communicate with their young patients. Two techniques that are almost always used on patients include:
- Positive reinforcement:praising patients for good behavior and encouraging them to complete their treatments
- Tell-show-do:explaining the treatment to a child in simple words to ensure comprehension, followed by showing them the procedure in a simplified manner prior to starting.
Dentists may also modify their tone or the volume of their voice. This can be valuable when working to sooth a child or distract them. The dentist will occasionally encourage children to watch another patient go through a process in order to build trust and help set expectations.
Choosing the Right Dentist
Parents always want what is best for their children and finding a dentist is no exception. When selecting your child’s dentist, be sure to ask plenty of questions and ensure you are comfortable.
It may be helpful to ask the dentist if they have specialized training to treat children. You can also observe to see if the office is kid friendly. Offices that cater to children will have toys, games and small furniture tailored to allow children to play and get comfortable before appointments.
Another benefit is when the dentist’s office is conveniently located and has hours that work well for your family’s schedule. It is also important to inquire about how they handle emergencies outside of regular hours.
For assistance with locating pediatric dentists in your area, you can visit the AAPD website. Finding a dentist you trust to provide dental care for your children helps ensure a positive experience for the entire family.
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