Pediatric Dentistry

A pediatric dentist is a dentist with specialty education and training to treat oral health issues that affect children and teenagers. To operate a pediatric dentistry practice, a dentist must be licensed, which involves rigorous testing. In addition to having a deep understanding of children’s oral and dental anatomy along with developmental processes, a pediatric dentist is trained to handle the emotional needs of children receiving oral healthcare. Beyond the specialized care we provide, our dentist and our staff have training and experience to educate children on their oral health, make them feel comfortable and welcome in our office, and provide treatment in ways that minimize the likelihood of developing dental fears and phobias.

Ideally, your child should first visit a pediatric dentist around his or her first birthday. Twelve months is a good time for an oral examination because it gives our team a chance to look for signs of developmental or congenital abnormalities. Your child’s first appointment is also a great time for our team to get to know you and your family. Since children will ultimately receive dental cleanings and checkups on a bi-annual basis, establishing comfort and familiarity with our practice and our staff is important. When gathering new patient information, we will inquire about your family medical and dental history as well as ask questions about your child’s progress so far. This information is important to have on file, if or when any potential problems arise.

Children with special needs require proper oral healthcare just as much as any other child. We serve children who have special needs with pride and compassion. Our mission is to ensure that all children in our community have access to excellent care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our pediatric dentists, along with our support staff, have training and experience working with children’s diverse needs. If your son or daughter has special needs, feel free to speak with a member of our team prior to your appointment so that we can accommodate your family.

If your first visit to our practice is when your child is about a year old, expect an examination of the mouth to be performed by our dentist to evaluate the health of the oral cavity. An exam is not uncomfortable and is performed to look for potential developmental or congenital issues. In addition to a quick checkup, we will collect information about your child’s development, your family dental and medical history, and any known allergies. We will provide helpful information on protecting your child’s oral health, which may include dietary recommendations and oral hygiene tips to help parents and caregivers establish healthy teeth and gums at an early age.