Pediatric
Pediatric dentist
A pediatric dentist is a dentist with extra training after dental school in the oral health of infants, children, and teens, including those with special needs.
The ADA describes pediatric dentists as the pediatricians of dentistry. It says they go through the same dental schooling as general dentists, which includes training in children's dental care, but also have additional training after dental school. The ADA also says that, like family medicine doctors, general dentists are qualified to provide a high level of care to patients of all ages. Whether a child sees a general or a pediatric dentist, the first visit should happen after the first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday. The right choice depends on your child's needs. See dental home and primary teeth, or our page on dentistry for kids.