Selecting a dentist for your child is an important decision -- one that should be researched and analyzed carefully. Pediatric dentists undergo an additional two years of post-doctoral training.

More years of training...
Pediatric dentists learn about dental problems specific to children and adolescents. Their expertise in this area means that patients can be assured they are receiving the best information from a specialist. Since pediatric dentists focus on caring for children's teeth, they keep themselves informed of the most recent advances in dental procedures for kids.

Trained to understand children...
As important as the technical training they receive, pediatric dentists spend much of their time learning that children have to be treated differently from adults. They realize that kids usually don't look forward to their trips to the dentist (apart from the getting out of school aspect!) and they work to make kids feel comfortable.

Pediatric dentists also study child psychology so they can understand children's needs from a different perspective. From the ambience of the office, to the caring professional staff selected by the dentist, the entire practice is built around caring for the children.

Part of the extensive training pediatric dentists undergo involves learning how to provide quality dental care to the physically or mentally disabled.

From infants to teenagers...
As children grow from infants to adolescents, their dental needs change with them. Dr. Winder recommends that children start visiting a dentist by no later than age three, or sooner if parents notice obvious dental problems . During a child's first few years, parents can take simple steps to ensure proper dental hygiene.

With the onset of the teenage years, and the importance of self-image coming to the forefront of teenagers' concerns, pediatric dentists use various procedures to correct dental problems. Misaligned or decaying teeth can be corrected early on to help prevent later dental problems as well as improving your child's smile.

Regular dental visits + preventive care = healthy teeth
Despite the advances in dental procedures, prevention still remains the first line of defense against dental problems. Dental hygienists encourage children to brush and floss regularly, as well as teaching them the best techniques to keep their teeth clean.