Go to:

• 1. Why Do you go to a Pediatric Dentist?
• 2. What Does it mean to be a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist?
• 3. What kind of training do pediatric dentists have?
• 4. Are not all pediatric dentists Board Certified?

Children are not just small adults. They are not always able to be patient and cooperative during a dental exam. Pediatric dentists know how to examine and treat children in ways that make them comfortable. In addition, pediatric dentists use specially designed equipment in offices that are arranged and decorated with children in mind. A pediatric dentist offers a wide range of treatment options, as well as expertise and training to care for your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth. When your pediatrician suggests that your child receive a dental exam, you can be assured that a pediatric dentist will provide the best possible care. Having the first dental visit in a pleasant environment before the onset of any tooth problems allows the child to establish trust and confidence in dental care that can carry over into adulthood. It helps children feel good about visiting the dentist and encourages them to care for their own teeth. Pediatric Dentists are dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years. They have the experience and qualifications to care for a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout the various stages of childhood. Children begin to get their baby teeth during the first 6 months of life. Today, early childhood dental caries—an infectious disease—is 5 times more common in children than asthma, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).

The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) is the certifying body for all Pediatric Dentists. It certifies pediatric dentists based on standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs. Certification by the ABPD provides assurance to the public that a pediatric dentist has successfully completed accredited training and a voluntary examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills, and experience requisite to the delivery of quality patient care. After the Pediatric Dentist completes his/her residency, he/she must successfully complete a two part (written and oral) examination in order to be considered a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Pediatric dentists have completed at least: Four years of dental school. Two additional years of residency training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs.

No, only those that complete the examinations after residency. NOT ALL DENTISTS WHO SEE CHILDREN ARE PEDIATRIC DENTISTS, AND NOT ALL PEDIATRIC DENTISTS ARE BOARD CERTIFIED

Call our office today (512-982-1500) to schedule your child's dental appointment. Same day dental appointments available.