Pediatricians specialize in healthcare for children. Pediatric dentists also specialize in children's health issues, but in this case it involves their teeth. Most children do not have serious oral health issues, so the main focus of the pediatric dentistry field involves prevention. Even baby teeth need to be properly cleaned and cared for. Of course, sometimes problems do arise. Whenever they do, a pediatric dentist needs to be adequately prepared with the right experience and knowledge so that he makes the correct decisions. The following is a close look at this specialized field and all that it entails.
Specializing In Children
In many ways, it is not inappropriate to view pediatric dentistry as among the most important specialties. That is course subject to opinion. However, strong arguments can be made for this viewpoint. A dentist involved in this specialty will treat a child starting with his first appointment ever until he is 18 years old. This period of time is a very important part of an individual's developmental process. What is even more important is that during this time, a person will form their ideas about how their teeth should be cared for that can last for their entire lifetime. A dentist needs to be prepared to help guide a child with forming these skills and necessary knowledge.
Broad Skill Set
When you stop to think about, it is obvious that anybody who works in pediatric dentistry needs to have a wide range of different skills. They are not specializing in one specific oral health issue after all, the way an orthodontist or cosmetic dentist does. They need to be able to cover the entire gamut of issues. Many practitioners utilize conscious sedation to help calm down young patients who might have special needs or who are afraid. They need to have the proper skills to administer sedation properly without causing any harm. They also need to have a broad knowledge base about various features, including how to apply crowns, look for cavities, drill fillings and clean teeth.
Teach Parents
Not only do pediatric dentists need to teach their patents how to care for their gums and teeth properly, they need to know how to communicate effectively with the parents as well. After all, it is critical that parents teach their children good dental hygiene and reinforce these habits. This not only involves their flossing and brushing habits, but also ensuring they eat the right foods for promoting good oral health. Dentists who practice in this field need to remind parents about the decisions they need to make for their children's dental health and practices.
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