What is a Pediatric Dentist?
When it comes to your child’s smile, you might wonder whether you should visit your family dentist or see a specialist. While some general dentists do treat children, pediatric dentists focus exclusively on caring for infants, kids, teens, and those with special health care needs.
So, what is a pediatric dentist? Think of them as the pediatricians of the dental world. Not only are they uniquely trained in kids’ oral health, but their offices, techniques, and approach are all designed specifically for children. This helps little ones feel safe, comfortable, and even excited about visiting the dentist.
In this post, the team at Brush Floss Dentistry for Children will explain what pediatric dentists do, how they become specialists, and why they’re considered the best dentists for kids.
Is a Pediatric Dentist a Specialist?
Yes. A pediatric dentist is a recognized dental specialist who focuses solely on providing dental care to infants, children, and teens, including those with special health care needs.
After earning their doctorate from dental school, pediatric dentists go on to complete several years of additional specialty training in pediatric dentistry.
This advanced training prepares pediatric dentists to meet children’s unique oral health needs in a way that helps patients develop a positive relationship with dental visits and build healthy habits from an early age.
How Do You Become a Pediatric Dentist?
So, how do you become a pediatric dentist? It takes years of additional education and hands-on training.
First, future pediatric dentists complete:
- An undergraduate degree
- Four years of dental school
After earning their dental degree, they complete an additional pediatric dental residency program focused entirely on children’s dentistry.
During this residency, they receive advanced training in:
- Children’s oral health
- Child psychology
- Growth and development
- Behaviour guidance and anxiety management
- Sedation and general anesthesia
- Emergency dental treatment
- Treating children with special health care needs
How Long Does It Take to Become a Pediatric Dentist?
In total, becoming a pediatric dentist typically takes 10 years or more of post-secondary education and training.
Some pediatric dentists, like our own Dr. Arash Goshtasby (aka Dr. Gosh) and Dr. Cameron Grant, also pursue board certification. This extra voluntary step involves additional examinations designed to evaluate advanced clinical judgment, treatment planning, communication, and patient management skills.
What Do Pediatric Dentists Do?
Pediatric dentists provide both preventive and restorative pediatric dental care for children at every stage of development.
Some of the most common services in pediatric dentistry include:
- Dental exams and cleanings
- Fluoride treatments and dental sealants
- Cavity treatments, such as fillings
- Emergency dental care
- Growth and development monitoring
- Sedation dentistry
- Treatment under general anesthesia
- Frenectomies (tongue-tie release)
- Dentistry for children with special health care needs
Pediatric dentists also help parents navigate important milestones like teething, brushing and flossing, thumb sucking, cavity prevention, and orthodontic development.
Family Dentist or Pediatric Dentist: Which Is Best for Kids?
When deciding between a family dentist or pediatric dentist, it often comes down to your child’s needs and comfort level.
Pediatric dentists have the advantage of focusing on children’s oral health and providing kid-friendly care.
This can be especially beneficial for:
- Toddlers and young children
- Kids with dental anxiety
- Children with sensory sensitivities or special health care needs
- Children requiring sedation or more complex treatment
Because pediatric dental offices are designed specifically for kids, a lot of families find appointments are smoother, less stressful, and more fun.
Meet Your Pediatric Dentists in Red Deer
At Brush Floss Dentistry for Children, our Red Deer pediatric dentists, Dr. Gosh and Dr. Grant, are passionate about helping children achieve and maintain healthy smiles in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Dr. Gosh completed the postdoctoral pediatric dentistry program at Nova Southeastern University and did his residency at a Level 1 pediatric trauma hospital. Since then, he’s also worked at Alberta Children’s Hospital.
Through his training and time spent in hospital settings, Dr. Gosh has gained extensive experience treating children with diverse dental and medical needs, as well as those experiencing dental emergencies.
Dr. Grant practiced general dentistry for 20 years before completing his master’s degree and residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Manitoba, giving him a unique depth of experience caring for growing smiles.
As board-certified pediatric dentists, both doctors are committed to providing gentle, evidence-based pediatric dental care personalized to each child.
How Do I Find a Pediatric Dentist Near Me?
If you’ve been searching “pediatric dentist near me” and live in the Red Deer area, Brush Floss Dentistry for Children has you covered!
From first visits and preventive pediatric dental care to emergency treatment and support for children with special health care needs, we help little ones feel safe, comfortable, and confident at the dentist.
Not in Alberta? You can also find a pediatric dentist near you by using the directories from the:
- Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (CAPD) and
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
What is a Pediatric Dentist? The Bottom Line
A pediatric dentist is more than a dentist who treats children. They’re a specialist dedicated to the oral health of infants, children, and teens, including those with special health care needs.
With expertise in child development, behaviour guidance, preventive care, and specialized treatment, pediatric dentists are equipped to support your child through every stage of their smile development.
If you’re deciding between a family dentist or pediatric dentist, choosing a specialist provides peace of mind and helps make dental care a positive part of growing up.
Ready to Help Your Child Love Going to the Dentist?
Whether your child is due for their first visit or you’re looking for a more kid-friendly dental experience, our board-certified pediatric dentists and talented team are here to set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Call us at (587) 813-5913 or book an appointment online today!
