Why Choose A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist?
You want the very best for your child’s oral health, and that’s when a board certified pediatric dentist comes in. Many families look for a “qualified pediatric dentist near me” to provide their kids with the safest, most effective, and compassionate dental care. But how can you determine if a dentist is really qualified to care for the dental needs of children? The answer is board certification.
Whether you are a parent in California or anywhere else in the world, it’s important to know and understand what pediatric dental care certification means so that you can make informed decisions.
What Does It Mean to Be a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist?
A board-certified pediatric dentist has completed advanced education and clinical training beyond dental school focusing on the oral health needs of infants, children, adolescents, and special needs patients. After dental school, and completing a two-year pediatric dental residency, dentists must pass a rigorous exam given by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) to become board certified.
What Does Board Certification in Pediatric Dental Care Mean?
A dentist that is certified by ABPD is a dentist who has:
- ●A thorough knowledge of providing dental care to children.
- ●Trained in behavioral modification for children.
- ●Demonstrated a commitment to safety and professionalism.
Benefits of a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
There are many advantages to selecting a board-certified specialist:
1. Child-Focused, Specialized Dental Care: Children are not just little adults. Children trust their continuing dental care to experts trained in the developing teeth, oral structures and emotional needs of children. A board certified pediatric dentist has the training to recognize problems specific to children, including issues involved with teething, orthodontics, etc.
2. Behavioral Management Techniques: Dentists who have trained in pediatric dentistry have the training and expertise to manage anxiety and behavioral issues like fear of dental treatment due to experience or learned behavior. They are specialists in childhood behavioral management strategies.
3. Customized Preventive Care Plans: Certified pediatric dentists not only manage an existing problem, they also prevent existing dental problems from getting worse. Kids are not just little people; they need specialized care at specific developmental ages, and pediatric specialists act as advocates for the oral health of children.
4. Special Health Needs Care: Children who are challenged by chronic or special needs require more than standard care. A properly qualified pediatric dentist in your area that is board certified will have the necessary tools and training to properly treat these children with professionalism, courtesy and compassion.
5. Emergency Care Training: Accidents happen, especially with kids! In the life of a child, things will happen including knocked out teeth or infections in the mouth, both of which require proper care. A board certified dentist will be more than prepared to address emergencies of all types effectively with skill and calm.
Why Choose a Board Certified Dentist for Kids?
Choosing a board-certified pediatric dentist means your child is in the hands of a specialist with advanced training, skill, and dedication to pediatric care. Here are some of the top 3 reasons why:
1. Trust and Assurance: Knowing that your child is treated by a board-certified pediatric dentist means you can trust they are receiving care from someone skilled and dedicated to the practice of Dentistry.
2. High Standards of Care: Board certified dentists adhere to the highest standards of care and lifelong learning. They are regularly assessed about their knowledge of recent technology and advances in techniques of Pediatric Dentistry.
3. Peace of Mind for Parents: For the parent of a child, and in particular their first child or those parents who have not had previous satisfactory experiences with dentistry, the knowledge that your child is being entrusted to a certified professional gives much-needed peace of mind.
How to Find a Qualified Pediatric Dentist Near Me?
Follow these steps to find the best provider:
1. Certification Check: Go to the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry site and use their search tool.
2. Ask Your Pediatrician: Pediatricians often have referrals to trusted dental providers.
Check Online Ratings: Look for real reviews from other parents in your local area.
3. Visit the Practice: Observe how the staff interact with kids, and check the environment of the office.
Questions to Ask a Pediatric Dentist
Here are some important questions to ask before selecting a dentist:
- ●Are you board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry?
- ●How do you manage children with dental anxiety?
- ●What is your policy for dental emergencies?
- ●Do you treat children with special healthcare needs?
- ●What preventative care plan do you use?
- ●Can I be in the room during treatment?
- ●Do you use digital X-rays and other modern diagnostics?
- ●How do you clean your instruments?
- These questions can help confirm that you are treating your child for their long-term oral health.
Final Thought on Certified Pediatric Dentist
Your child’s smile deserves the best of the best! When you choose a board-certified pediatric dentist, you are not only selecting high-quality care, but you are also contributing to your child having a lifetime of healthy dental habits and a lifetime of positive dental experiences.
Board certified pediatric dental specialists are committed to not only pediatric dental care with behavioral skills, but also to understanding child development, special health care needs, and knowing how to put together preventive plans in general, and especially in atypical patients.
Ready to give your child the best dental care possible? Whether you’re a parent or a pediatric dentist headhunter looking for top talent, schedule a visit or connect with a board-certified pediatric dentist near you today. For more help, Contact Hire Smiles, your trusted partner for finding qualified pediatric dental professionals.
FAQs About Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Q1. What is a board certified pediatric dentist?
A dentist who has specialized pediatric training and has successfully passed the pediatric board certification exams made by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Q2. Why should I take my child to see a board certified dentist?
As the board certified dentists are specialized, and consider the unique dental needs and emotional comfort of children.
Q3. Is board certification a big deal in pediatric dentistry?
Yes, pediatric dentists are special, because they indicate advanced professionalism, expertise and continuing education in child dental care, and are committed to parenting “well-behaved, non-teary dental “experiences” while in their care.
Q4. How can I find a qualified pediatric dentist in my area?
Use the ABPD website above, or ask your pediatrician for a trusted referral.
Q5. Are board certified dentists better suited for children with special needs?
Absolutely. They are trained to handle children with health conditions in a gentle and customized manner.
Q6. Will board certified pediatric dentists cost more?
Not necessarily, many accept insurances and government programs such as Denti-Cal in California.
Q7. What age should I start taking my child to see a pediatric dentist?
No later than one year old, or no more than six months after your child’s first tooth erupts.
Q8. Can a general dentist treat children too?
Yes, they can, but pediatric dentists receive specialized and trained education in pediatric dentistry and are better equipped to handle children or anxious patients.
Related Article: Top Skills Every Successful Pediatric Dentist Needs
