Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a pediatric dental
office?
A. A pediatric dental office has a single provider
treating infants, children, and teenagers. Since patients only see one provider,
this type of office often can provide more personalized services than dental
centers
staffed by many dentists. When a family chooses a pediatric dental office, they
are
choosing to entrust their child to a team that specializes in handling children,
appealing to their interests, temperament, and oral health needs.
Q. What are the benefits of a
pediatric
dental office?
A. Since there is only one pediatric dental
provider,
both the parent and child will develop a close relationship with their pediatric
dentist through the years as the child matures. The provider will learn about
the
child’s specific habits and be able to identify potential problems much sooner
than
if the child was seen by multiple providers. Thanks to the level of trust that
develops between the provider and the child, patients are often calmer during
visits
and less afraid.
Q. Who makes up a pediatric dental
office team?
A. Staff at a pediatric dental office can include
the
practice manager, financial coordinator, and receptionist. These staff members
assist with check-in, appointment scheduling, billing, and other necessary
paperwork. Additionally, a number of dental professionals may be in an office,
including the pediatric dentist, the pediatric dental hygienist (who is
responsible
for preventative treatment such as professional cleaning), and the pediatric
dental
assistant (who can help the pediatric dentist during specific procedures).
Q. What are the rooms like in a
pediatric dental office?
A. A pediatric dental office is designed with
children
in mind. The reception area often features bright colors and fun patterns and is
equipped with toys and books to keep kids of all ages entertained while they
wait
for their appointment. In the examination area, the most obvious change from a
general practice will be a child-friendly dental chair. Exam rooms can include a
TV
and child-appropriate artwork. All the tools used during the exam and cleaning
are
appropriately child-sized. Additional rooms will include storage (where free
toothbrushes and floss are stored until the end of the appointment), the
bathroom,
and an X-ray room.
Q. When should a child see a
pediatric
dentist?
A. The ADA recommends a child start seeing a dentist
within six months of getting their first tooth. If your child is one year old
and
still does not have their first tooth, bring them to the dentist anyway. After
that,
a child should see a dentist every six months. A pediatric dentist typically
sees
children from 6 months old until all their adult teeth come in.