What Is a Pediatric Dentist? A Fort Lee Parent's Guide

When it comes to choosing providers for your child’s health and wellness, it’s important to pick professionals who understand that kids are not just smaller adults. They have different anatomy, and their growth and development happen at a rapid pace. Why choose a pediatric dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have their first dental exam by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth emerging¹. 

At Beam City Dental, our team of specialists understands your child’s changing oral care needs. From the eruption of their first baby tooth to the emergence of adult teeth, our blended office of pediatric dentists and orthodontists is here to create positive, worry-free experiences for your little one so they can establish good oral hygiene habits that support healthy, beautiful smiles. We’re here to help parse through the nuts and bolts of what a pedodontist does and how their training is essential to proper care for kids.

What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a dentist who completes several additional years of specialized training in the care and treatment of children’s oral health. So, how long does it take to become a pediatric dentist? Once a dentist has completed their standard four years of dental school, they spend another two years in residency learning about infant oral health, growth-related concerns, jaw development and bite alignment, pediatric dental treatments, dental emergencies, and special needs while also expanding their knowledge of child psychology and emotional development. 

What is a pediatric dentist? A dentist who, in addition to monitoring and treating the specific oral health concerns for kids aged 6 months to adulthood, creates an environment where younger patients can feel at ease by incorporating kid-friendly design, child-sized furniture, and plenty of education on dental processes and procedures².  

What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?

Unlike traditional dentists, pediatric dentists are trained to diagnose and treat the oral health of children from the eruption of their first tooth at around 6 months all the way through their teenage years until they turn 18². 

Pediatric dentists provide infant oral health exams, preventive care including cleanings, fluoride treatments, nutrition guidance, early assessment and correction of improper bites, cavity fillings, care for dental injuries (such as losing a tooth from a fall or while playing sports), diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions, and the care of patients with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, hay fever, and physical or developmental disabilities.

Additionally, they counsel on how to wean little ones off self-soothing but destructive habits like pacifier use and thumb sucking, which can cause misalignment. Like pediatricians, pediatric dental specialists put children first and adhere to the highest standards of patient safety, evidence-based care, and ethics³. 

How a Pediatric Dentist's Training Is Different

A pediatric dentist’s training is different because they spend an additional two years studying the specific care of children’s oral health. To become a pediatric dentist, they must satisfactorily complete a minimum of two years in an advanced education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation³. This additional training means they are not only trained in both baby and adult tooth care, but also child psychology, growth and development, relaxation techniques for kids who experience anxiety, and treating children with special needs.

Benefits of Taking Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist

What does a pediatric dentist do that benefits your child? The benefits of seeing a pediatric dentist lie in expert care designed specifically for little ones. Pediatric dentists’ advanced training means they understand the importance of care for baby teeth, how to properly supervise and intervene in orofacial growth and development when needed, and how to create an environment for children that reduces anxiety and promotes empowerment and healthy oral hygiene habits. 

Data shows approximately 20% of children aged 5–11 years old already have at least one untreated and decayed tooth². Seeking early care at a pediatric dentist makes the whole process less scary while helping kids learn how to prevent cavities and how to best care for their teeth and gums in a supportive, caring environment. 

What Ages Does a Pediatric Dentist See?

Pediatric dentists see patients from about 6 months old (or by their first birthday) through their teenage years until they turn 18. Starting care early establishes a baseline for their dental health needs. As soon as your little one has teeth, they can get cavities⁴. Tooth decay can impact a child’s ability to eat, sleep, speak clearly, and learn at school. 

Though baby teeth eventually fall out, it’s important to understand they also aid in forming a path for permanent teeth. Delaying oral care can cause cavities and could lead to other issues related to health, development, and quality of life. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends check-ups every six months and an orthodontic evaluation by age 7⁵.

Pediatric Dentistry at Beam City Dental in Fort Lee

Experts recommend scheduling your child’s first dental appointment by no later than their first birthday. We understand that choosing the right providers for your child’s care can be stressful. Beam City Dental in Fort Lee offers a compassionate, experienced team that will help your child feel comfortable and confident so their earliest experiences at the dentist set them up for a lifetime of excellent oral health.

Book your child’s appointment today—at Beam City Dental, we live and breathe our mission to provide the finest pediatric dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a pediatric dentist called?

A pediatric dentist is called a pedodontist. They specialize in the prevention, diagnoses, and treatment of oral health concerns in children 18 years of age and younger.

How long does it take to become a pediatric dentist?

It takes at least 10 years to become a pediatric dentist. First, they complete a 4-year undergraduate degree, then 4 years of dental school. If they’re specializing in pediatric patients, they also complete their training with a 2-year residency.

What age should my child stop seeing a pediatric dentist?

There’s no hard and fast rule for when to transition to a dentist for adults. It depends on your child’s comfort level. Some may want to transition to an adult dentist during their teen years, but pediatric dentists typically see patients from around 6 months old to age 18.

Can a pediatric dentist do orthodontics?

Yes, a pediatric dentist can assist with some basic orthodontic care though more specialized treatments require an orthodontist. At Beam City Dental, we offer both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. If your child also needs orthodontic care, they can receive it at the same office they’re already accustomed to.

When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling their first appointment by no later than their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth growing in. It’s important to remember that though their baby teeth fall out, not seeking preventive care can lead to all sorts of issues with permanent teeth, jaws, and their bite.