Regular vs Pediatric Dentists

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children go on their first visit to the dentist by the time they turn one. By starting the practice of routine dental check-ups as early as possible, parents can set the stage for good dental hygiene that lasts a lifetime.

You may be tempted to just take your child to your dentist. After all, this is someone you know and trust. However, has your dentist been trained in working with children? You may want to seek out a pediatric dentist instead, just like you'll find at Dr. Beanca Chu’s Children's Dentistry. Keep reading to learn about the differences between a regular dentist and a pediatric dentist.

The Difference in Education

Both regular—or general—dentists and pediatric dentists must complete four years of college. Both must also pass the Dental Admissions Test before entering dental school. Programs in general dentistry last four years.

In dental school, future dentists study:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Oral anatomy
  • Oral histology
  • Oral pathology

The first two years of dental school are filled with coursework, while the last two years offer students clinical practice. Graduates must pass licensing exams before beginning work in a practice. Potential pediatric dentists have more to do after successfully finishing dental school. They must study pediatric dentistry specifically for two to three years.

During this time, pediatric dental students learn about topics that will help when working with small patients. They will study:

  • Baby, or primary, teeth
  • Mixed teeth (some primary, some permanent)
  • Child development, behavior, and psychology
  • Pharmacology
  • Care of special needs patients
  • Pediatric sedation

In addition to academic coursework, pediatric dental students will learn the best ways to communicate with their young patients. Pediatric dentists need to be able to explain procedures in a simple, clear fashion. They also need to be calm and make young patients feel comfortable. With the experience gained over ten to eleven years, pediatric dentists can begin to see patients.

The Difference in Practice

A regular dentist's office should inspire confidence that patients will receive great care. An atmosphere of calm should be considered when designing the waiting room and exam rooms. A pediatric dentist's office should also inspire confidence and a sense of calm. In addition, pediatric dentists usually strive to make fun and playfulness part of their vibe. Games or books in the waiting room keep young patients busy until their turn with the dentist. TV screens in the exam room offer distraction during procedures. At Dr. Beanca Chu’s office, we pride ourselves on providing a great office experience for our patients.

Regular dentists offer regular exams, cleanings, and x-rays. They also provide services such as filling cavities, root canals, extractions, installing dental implants, and placing crowns and bridges. The services provided by a pediatric dentist cover some of the same ground as the regular dentist. A pediatric dentist fills cavities, extracts unwanted or damaged teeth, and puts on dental crowns. Cleanings and exams are also part of the service.

During a dental exam, a pediatric dentist will check for anything that may be a potential problem. They will also check on how the mouth and jawbone are developing. The pediatric dentist is also practiced in dealing with the results of common childhood behaviors such as thumb-sucking and tongue thrusting. Both can lead to an open bite.

The tools and equipment used by regular dentists are designed to treat adult patients. Pediatric dentists use the same tools with teenagers. However, they use scaled-down tools and equipment when working with younger children. A pediatric dentist teaches their young patients the best ways to keep their mouths healthy and their teeth strong.

The Difference in the Long Run

When it comes to children's teeth, there are many different things to consider. A pediatric dentist, including those here at Dr. Beanca Chu’s office, will know exactly what to do to make sure all the bases are covered.

Dental x-rays are safer than ever. Traditional film x-rays have been replaced with digital x-rays. Digital x-rays emit 80%–90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. This means that without risking a child's health, pediatric dentists can compare x-rays taken over a period of time. They can follow exactly how the teeth, mouth, and jaw are changing as the child grows.

Part of the pediatric dentist's job is to predict and help prevent problems that may affect a child's dental health. A regular dentist would likely refer parents to an orthodontist to see whether their child might require braces. On the other hand, a pediatric dentist will do this check at a child's regular appointment. This saves a separate trip to a provider the child doesn't know.

If the pediatric dentist's exam reveals the potential need for braces, interventions can be put in place directly, saving time and stress on the child. A child might still have to visit an orthodontist, but the interventions taken by a pediatric dentist might result in less intensive measures later.

Part of a pediatric dentist's training involves learning to work with children who have special needs. Whether a child has a physical, developmental, or cognitive impairment, they will be well-cared for by a pediatric dentist. The right pediatric dentist will be there whenever situations involving a child's teeth arise. They will ensure that a child is doing everything possible to sustain good oral health. The right pediatric dentist will make a child excited for their next visit.

Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Child

There's a lot to consider when choosing just the right dentist for your child. If it's a good fit, this is someone your child will be seeing at least twice a year until they're 18. But what's the best way to find the best fit? Ask your family and friends for recommendations. Be sure to check out reviews posted online. Make an appointment for you and your child to take a tour of potential pediatric dental offices. Once you find someone you feel your child will be comfortable with, you can set a date for that all-important first visit.

If you're searching for a pediatric dentist in the Huntington Beach area, we'd love for you to visit us at Dr. Beanca Chu’s office. Contact us for an appointment today.