Specialty Training and Board Certification
After dental school, pediatric dentists complete two to three more years of residency training focused on infants, children, teens and children with special health care needs. They have also passed written and oral exams beyond their residency training and keep their certification current through ongoing education.
Family dentist or Pediatric Dentist
While family and general dentists provide valuable care for patients of all ages, a pediatric dentist's training is specialized for the individualized needs and development of a child, from a baby's first tooth through the teen years.
Why Choose a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who focuses on the oral health of infants, children and teens. Here is how that differs from a family or general dentist who also sees children.
Expertise in growing mouths
Pediatric dentists are trained in tooth eruption, jaw growth, bite development and habits such as thumb sucking and pacifier use, so concerns can be spotted and managed early.
Our evidence-based approach
Our recommendations follow current guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association and the best available research. We tailor care to each child's individual cavity risk and needs, and we explain our recommendations clearly so parents and providers can make decisions together.
A child-friendly approach
Pediatric dental training includes behavior guidance techniques that help children feel safe and comfortable, along with sedation options for children who need extra support.
A sensory-adapted environment
We adapt our office and each visit for children who are sensitive to sound, light, touch, or unfamiliar settings, including children with autism or other sensory needs. We create a calm, low-stimulation atmosphere, explain each step before it happens, go at the child's pace, and work with parents on what helps their child feel comfortable.