What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

Pediatric dentists specialize in the oral health care of children, from infants to teenagers. In this post, our Goulds dentists discuss the differences between pediatric dentists and general dentists.

Here at Southern Shore Dental, parents are often curious about the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist. More specifically, they wonder if there is any benefit to bringing their children to a pediatric dentist as opposed to their general dentist.

Below, our Goulds dental team shares the key differences between general and pediatric dentists and discusses when your child may benefit from visiting a pediatric specialist.

What is a pediatric dentist?

Qualifications & Training

Pediatric Dentistry is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the Canadian Dental Association.

To become a dentist, you must go to dental school. If a dental school graduate moves on immediately to practice as a dentist, they are a general dentist.

To become a pediatric dentist in Canada, dental school graduates must complete an accredited advanced education program in pediatric dentistry. Once they have completed this program, they will attain a specialty designation from the Provincial Dental Regulatory Authority in their province.

What Pediatric Dentists Do

Pediatric dentists have specialized training in the specific oral health care needs of children, ranging from infants to teenagers.

Services That Pediatric Dentists Specialize In:

Baby teeth care
Preventive dental care for children: oral hygiene cleaning, fluoride treatments, nutrition and diet recommendations, etc.
Infant oral health exams, including risk assessment for cavities
Early orthodontic assessment & treatment: straightening teeth and correcting misalignment and bite problems (malocclusion)
Dental care for children with special needs
Habit counselling: thumb sucking and pacifier habit-breaking
Fillings for tooth cavities or defects
Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, congenital heart defect, hay fever, and ADD / ADHD

Does my child need to go to a special dentist for children?

General dentists have the skills and training necessary to care for children's teeth, so in most cases, sending children to a pediatric specialist is not necessary.

That means that you can bring your child to your dentist, and he or she will be well qualified to care for your child's teeth.

For children with unusual or more serious dental problems or those with disabilities, the specialized training of a pediatric dentist may be required.