Pediatric Dentist vs. General Dentist

It is difficult to identify the differences between a general dentist and a pediatric dentist since both treat children. Yet, there are some aspects that truly define their distinctions. Read on to find out how a pediatric dentist differs from a general dentist.

Training

Both dentists undergo 4 years of education and training at a dental school. However, pediatric dentists must undergo an additional 2-3 years of specialized training regarding the treatment of only children, infants, and kids with special needs. 

This additional training involves acquiring expertise in treating, calming, and caring for children under 18. Hence, pediatric dentists are recommended if you need a dentist specifically for your kids. General dentists do not require this specialized training. 

Services Offered

Pediatric dentists have slightly different services for children's oral health. Some of these services are given below:

• infant oral health exams
• preventive dental care
• orthodontic assessments
• tooth repair
• treating dental injuries 

A general dentist provides preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services to people of all ages. Some of the services are mentioned below: 

• teeth cleaning
• dental implants
• crowns
• veneers
• root canals

While a general dentist may also treat children, they do not specialize in dealing with kids, unlike a pediatric dentist.

Child-Specializing Care

Having undergone an additional 2-3 years of specialized training, a pediatric dentist understands child psychology and development and takes appropriate measures to help a child stay calm while receiving dental treatment. In addition, the pediatric dentist's office will be filled with child-friendly images and text to help children familiarize themselves with their environment. 

Similarly, the dental tools are introduced slowly with a proper explanation so the child doesn't become overwhelmed. 

A general dentist would most likely have a professional-looking office targeting people of all ages. A child may feel intimidated and might need extra care to feel comfortable. 

Conclusion

While both dentists are equally professional, a pediatric dentist has specialized training in handling kids, and thus, they are more experienced than general dentists in this regard. 

If you are looking to consult with a pediatric dentist, visit our website to schedule an appointment with our Greensboro dentist.