Every parent wants the best for their child. That includes oral health care. Parents have the added responsibility and stress of finding a dentist that their child feels comfortable with and an office where they aren’t afraid to go for exams and procedures. It can be challenging.
One of the first decisions parents will need to make is whether to take their child to a pediatric or general dentist. Both are excellent choices but there are some differences to consider.
Specialty vs. General Dentistry
It is a myth that a specialty dentist, like a pediatric dentist, is a better dentist than a general dentist. Both have the same skills in that they can perform exams and do procedures. Most general dentists and pediatric dentists are licensed and certified to do oral surgeries. Their dentistry education and techniques are the same and credentialing is the same.
A pediatric dentist is different because they are trained to work with smaller mouths and meet the specific needs of children. That includes dental needs like fillings, checking how permanent teeth are growing, and providing teeth sealants.
Their training includes providing dental education to children and talking to the child in a way that makes the child more comfortable. Pediatric dental offices may have more experience in dealing with special needs children than a general dentist.
Differences in Dentistry Styles
A major difference in pediatric dentistry is their office environment is different from that of a general dentist because they serve only kids. It is going to be decorated for children and have more activities than what is found in a general dentist office to keep them distracted while waiting on the dentist. Some pediatric offices have treats like ice cream or lemonade.
General dentistry has a couple of advantages over pediatric dentistry. The primary advantage is that one dentist treats the entire family from the kids to grandparents. That means the family gets to know the dentist over the years and that can reduce a lot of fear and stress.
It also means more convenience. You can take family members for dental appointments at one place rather than travel to several. That lessens commuting and saves time, especially if you can get dental appointments the same day for all.
Another advantage of a general dentist is that all the family dental records are in one place and can be easily pulled. The same dentist can see your child as they grow and understands all the dental issues they’ve had in the past. That makes it easier to treat future dental issues. They also understand genetic factors as they also see parents and grandparents.
How Do You Choose?
It is a difficult choice but parents should look at the issue of choosing between a pediatric and general dentist logically. Some of factors include:
- Special attention
Does your child need special attention because of health, mental, or emotional issues? Those with difficult oral care because of medications, injury, deformity, special needs, or genetics may need a pediatric dentist to meet their needs. This is particularly true if they will need to see a dentist more often.
- Size of family
Those with larger families and children in various ages may choose a general dentist out of simplicity. It would be easier to take both teens and children to the same place and manage bills coming from one dentist office.
- Fear Factor
Some children are afraid of going to the dentist or a doctor’s office. You will want to choose one they are comfortable with and that offers sedation for children who have severe anxiety issues. For some, that may be a pediatric dentist as they are trained to deal with fearful children. Others may like the general dentist their big brother or sister uses because they hear about their experiences.
- Convenience
Pediatric dentists aren’t always available in every town or near you. A good general dentist that is nearby may be a better option because they can see your child in emergencies without a long drive.
- Amenities
Amenities in any dental office are nice. Both general and pediatric dentists offer extras to make patients more comfortable. Weigh the amenities to as part of your decision,
- Price
All dentists are not the same. They come in all price brackets so you need to look to see which one best fits your budget. Plus, you need to check their options for payments to ensure you have choices.
Looking for a dental option for your children? We have them. Our office can meet your child’s needs and keep your life stress-free! Schedule an appointment today!
