I have a one-year-old and I’ve read that’s a good time to start them seeing a dentist. I’ve noticed my dental clinic sees children. Is there an important reason for them to see a pediatric dentist versus a general family clinic?
Erin
Dear Erin,
I can already tell you are a wonderful mother. You are looking out for the best options for your precious little one from the very beginning. When it comes to which practitioner is best, there are a couple of factors.
What Age Does Your Family Dentist Like to First See Children?
While a family dentist is qualified to treat children because they have all done a pediatric rotation, you still want to make sure they actually enjoy working with them. Those who love children are better at working with them and their wiggly quirks.
One way to know if they enjoy working with children is what age they’ll first start seeing them. If they say they’ll see toddlers, such as your wee one, then you can know they enjoy children. If they say 7 to 8 years old, then you can know they don’t.
Are There Extenuating Treatment Needs?
If your child has normal dental needs a family dentist is fine. If there are genetic anomalies or something similar that would require regular, specialized care, then it would be important to see a pediatric dentist. Otherwise, you can see your family dentist and if anything unusual pops up which would require a specialist, your family dentist would provide you with a referral.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.