Dr. Day points out that to care specifically for the dental needs of children, the dental specialty called Pediatric Dentistry has emerged. The Pediatric Dentist is the dental equivalent of a pediatrician and to be a Pediatric Dentist, a dentist must have at least two additional years of post-graduate training following completion of a dental degree.
The pediatric dentist is the specialist who is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teen-age years. The very young, pre-teens and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.
Children are a precious gift. An early start in regular dental care is an important step on the road to total health. Pediatric dentists recommend children begin routine dental visits by age one so that any problems may be detected, treated early, or even avoided completely.