What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

Pediatric dentists care for patients from infantry through their teenage years. They are experts in their field, which includes caring for children's teeth, mouth and gums. Babies start to get their teeth around six months of age and then they lose their baby teeth by the age of seven, allowing room for their permanent teeth.

Dental Education and Training

Pediatric dentists have to be qualified as a general dentist first. This means attending four years of undergraduate training in addition to four years at a dental school. The dental school is required to be accredited by the American Dental Association.

The four years of dental school are split up in half as far as teaching techniques are concerned. During the first two years, the dentist-to-be takes part in classroom training learning anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology and physiology. The other half of dental school is hands-on where the potential dentist treats patients in clinics under the direct supervision of a qualified dentist.

Once dental school is completed, the dentist-to-be will have a degree in either Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine. The last step to becoming a full fledged dentist is to pass a written and clinical test.

Types of Treatment

A pediatric dentist provides preventative care which includes cleanings and fluoride treatments. Preventative care also teaches kids about how proper maitenance is good for their teeth. Pediatric dentists also counsel mothers on how to break habits that babies may have, such as thumb sucking. They also inform kids and their parents how diagnosing things early such as making sure that teeth are growing in straight and treating them if they are not, in turn helping to prevent a future overbite. Other duties of a pediatric dentist include fixing cavities, repairing dental injuries such as knocked out teeth, taking care of gum disease and diagnosing oral issues that are linked to conditions such as diabetes, hay fever and asthma.

Locating a Dentist

You can find a pediatric dentist working mostly in private practices. There are several ways to locate one.

• You can ask family or friends for a recommendation. 


• There may be a referral line that you can call to tell you of a qualified dentist in your area.  


• The Internet has information on dentists in your area, as will the Yellow Pages in your local phonebook.

Dental Organizations

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists is the number one organization for pediatric dentists. Pediatric dentists must be certified through this organization and it is the only one that is recognized by the American Dental Association. There are also other associations such as The American Dental Education Association which has information on dental school and post graduate studies.