What is pediatric dentistry?  Pediatric dentistry is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on oral health and the unique and specific needs of young people.  After completing a post-graduate four-year dental school curriculum, two to three additional years of rigorous training is required to become a certified pediatric dentist.  Much like a pediatrician, this specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric dentists to meet the exclusive needs of infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs.

An extensive background in care for children, allow pediatric dental specialists to focus on a child’s total healthcare needs, especially those of the head & neck region.  This additional education allows these specialists to better understand the physiologic, emotional and gross differences between adults and children.  Establishing a certified pediatric dentist as your child’s, “Dental Home” or primary dental care provider allows them the opportunity to implementpreventive dental health habits that keep a child free from dental and oral disease.  By focusing on prevention, early detection and treatment of dental disease, these specialists are considered the preeminent authority in oral health and dental care for children.

During their specialty training program, pediatric dentists also obtain extensive instruction in providing dental care to both handicapped and medically compromised patients of all ages.  Whether providing care within the pediatric dental office, surgical center or hospital operating room, their exclusive training makes these oral healthcare providers the authority in this sub-specialty.      

Non-threatening and inspiring dental office visits, child-friendly facilities, caregivers specifically educated and focused on proving care solely for children all help to promote the long-term establishment of trust and confidence in a child which ultimately provides an optimistic outlook on dentistry for a lifetime.  Our goal, along with our specialized staff, is to help develop positive feelings about visiting the dentist, while educating patients and parents on the harmful long-term effects of dental neglect.  The American Dental Association and American Association of Pediatrics both agree that the elevated quality of care provided by a certified pediatric dental specialist is paramount in establishing an early foundation allowing children to care for their own oral health, prevent dental disease and learn to interact with dental healthcare providers throughout their life.  

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