Whether you’re a new parent or are awaiting a new addition, you might be wondering if you need a pediatric dentist. The growth and development of your child’s oral health are an integral part of their future. General and pediatric dentists both have the training and skill to treat most dental concerns we’ll face in our lives. So when does it become necessary to find a pediatric dentist? We’re going to look at that question and show why most children don’t need the attention of a pediatric specialist.
Your General Dentist Is A Trained Dental Specialist For All Ages
Every dentist starts their career with the same training. Once they obtain their initial degree in dentistry, they can move on to specialize in different forms of care. General dentists are fully capable of providing care for children of all ages. The two specialists that parents often consider when thinking about specialty care for their children include family dentists and pediatric dentists.
Family dentists focus on whole life dental care, treating patients of all ages, and focusing on the changing needs of patients throughout their lives. Pediatric dentists focus specifically on children, particularly those with challenging oral developmental issues.
Knowing which kind of specialist is appropriate for your child or if your general dentist can provide the necessary care can be challenging. It requires that parents understand the different types of specialists and whether their child needs the attention of their particular skills.
- Family Dentist: These specialists are really just a particular kind of generalist. Their general field of care is generational care. They treat dental patients of every age, from childhood to the elderly. These kinds of specialists provide lifetime care and can treat generations of the same family for their entire lifetimes. One benefit these dental professionals provide is the ability for the entire family to see the same dentist.
- Pediatric Dentists: These specialists focus on the developmental stages of childhood. They are generally required when a child has special needs or a particularly challenging oral health concern. Their offices only accept pediatric patients, meaning your child will have to transfer to a new dentist once they reach the age of majority. This means that they won’t be your child’s lifetime dentist, and only your children will be able to be seen there.
General dentists are able to provide all the types of care these two specialists can. In the majority of cases, there’s no benefit to changing dentists when a family has an already established relationship with one.
Do You Need To See A Pediatric or Family Dentist?
Unless you’re dissatisfied with the care provided by your general dentist, there’s likely no need to change dentists. The best way to know if you need to change dentists if you’re not unsatisfied is to speak to your present one. Every dentist knows what their office is geared for and equipped to handle. They may advise you that you’ll need to get a different dentist or reassure you that their fully equipped to provide care for your whole family. Schedule a consultation today to find out!
