Family dentistry does provide services related to the general maintenance of tooth health and oral hygiene. Family dentists typically do care for a much wider variety of patients, from adults to young children. They are mainly tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the amount of plaque buildup is kept at a bare minimum, instances of tooth decay are eliminated and any present cavities filled. They also ensure that the gums remain healthy.
On the other hand, pediatric dentists specialize in the treatment of children, usually below four years of age or thereabouts. They mainly examine infants as their teeth start to grow, looking out for any abnormalities or genetic defects problems. They also check on the shape and alignment of a child’s teeth or jaw. It is very important to have a pediatric dentist look after your kid at this stage because any problems detected at this stage can be dealt with at an early stage.
In terms of training, a family dentist must first earn an undergraduate degree and pass the Dental Admission Test. They must complete a 3 to 5 year dental school program. Before they are licensed to practice they must also pass the National Board Dental Examinations. They are then awarded a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DDM (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. At this point, the graduate can decide to practice family dentistry in Milton or anywhere else in the US. Apart from this degree, a pediatric dentist will then have to undergo a further two or three year postgraduate training so as to become a specialist dentist in this field of Pedodontics.
Because a pediatric dentist is a specialist in caring for children, they will have their offices geared towards children; they will also tend to be more patient with the children. They do strive to make dental care more fun and enjoyable for children. Further to this, they also provide children with lessons about flossing habits, good dental hygiene habits and brushing techniques and habits too. On the other hand, a family dentist even though well trained too, may not have that keenness or professional acuteness to deal effectively with children. There are certain important factors such as making eye contact, giving out a gift, or just working with a smile which they inadvertently ignore or are not aware about. This does at times lead to children growing up fearing a dentist because their first interaction with a dentist was not done in a child friendly’ manner.
It is worth noting that even though a family dentist is well trained and qualified, he does have a very broad knowledge base, he or she knows something about virtually everything in the sphere of dentistry. This knowledge though does have its limits and that is where pediatric dentists come into play; they are specialists in the field of taking care of children’s oral health. They are well versed and deeply trained in their field. A pediatric dentist will therefore be able to look at a problem and provide a specialized and highly detailed diagnosis.
Finally, even though you may be quite comfortable with dealing with your doctor who practices family dentistry in Milton, you are well advised to take any of your kids who are below four years to a pediatric dentist for the best results.
