What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

Pediatric dentists specialize in the oral health care of children, from infants to teenagers. Here, our Grande Prairie orthodontists explain how pediatric dentists are different from general dentists.

Parents frequently ask us at Ortho 101 what the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist is. They are particularly curious as to whether there is any advantage to taking their children to a pediatric dentist rather than a general dentist.

Below, our Grande Prairie dentists outline the key differences between general and pediatric dentists and explain when it might be beneficial to visit a pediatric specialist.

What is a pediatric dentist?

Qualifications & Training

Pediatric Dentistry is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the Canadian Dental Association.

To become a dentist, you must go to dental school. Some dental school graduates move on immediately to practice as dentists, and these are general dentists.

Pediatric dentists in Canada must complete an accredited advanced education program in pediatric dentistry after graduating from dental school. They will receive a specialty designation from their province's Provincial Dental Regulatory Authority once they have completed this program.

What do pediatric dentists do?

Pediatric dentists have specialized training in the specific oral health care needs of children, ranging from infants to teenagers.

Pediatric dentists address the following dental care needs specific to children:

Baby teeth care
Preventive dental care for children: oral hygiene cleaning, fluoride treatments, nutrition and diet recommendations, etc.
Infant oral health exams, including risk assessment for cavities
Early orthodontic assessment & treatment: straightening teeth and correcting misalignment and bite problems (malocclusion)
Dental care for children with special needs
Habit counselling: thumb sucking and pacifier habit-breaking
Fillings for tooth cavities or defects
Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, congenital heart defect, hay fever, and ADD / ADHD

Does my child need to go to a special dentist for children?

General dentists have the skills and training necessary to care for children's teeth, so in most cases, sending children to a pediatric specialist is not necessary.

That means that you can bring your child to your own dentist, and he or she will be well qualified to care for your child's teeth.

For children with unusual or more serious dental problems, or for those with disabilities, the specialized training of a pediatric dentist may be required.