Pediatric dentistry (used to be called Pedodontics) primarily focuses on children from birth through adolescence. The American Dental Association (ADA), recognizes pediatric dentistry as a specialty, and therefore requires dentists to undertake two or three years of additional training after completing a general dentistry degree. At the end of this training, the pediatric dentist receives a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and can practice as a Pediatric Dentist. Some Pediatric Dentists take this a step further and prepare and sit for an Oral Board examination. Once they have passed this exam, they are eligible to become a Diplomate in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and are referred to as ‘Board Certified’. Dr. Ashley is currently in the process of becoming a Diplomate and will sit for her oral boards in September 2013.
Some pediatric dentists, like Dr. Ashley have additional training and experience and opt to specialize in oral care for children with special needs; specifically children with autism, varying levels of mental retardation, or cerebral palsy. Dr. Ashley’s residency focused on dental sedation and especially the emerging technique of intra-nasal sedation. Dr. Ashley spent 11 years as a general dentist in remote Alaska, and trained one-on-one with one of her mentors Dr. Mike Savage, Professor of Oral Surgery at the University of Colorado. She is very comfortable providing patients with a wide range of dental procedures.
One of the most important components of pediatric dentistry is child psychology. Pediatric dentists are trained to create a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children, and always avoid threatening words like “drill,” “needle,” and “injection.” Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences and find their “dental home” as early as possible.
What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do?
Pediatric dentists fulfill many important functions pertaining to the child’s overall oral health and hygiene. They place particular emphasis on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.
Other important functions include:
Education – Pediatric dentists educate the child using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology; thus emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. In addition, they advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.
Monitoring growth – By continuously tracking growth and development, pediatric dentists are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen. Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the child’s self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.
Prevention – Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of later tooth decay. In addition to providing check ups and dental cleanings, pediatric dentists are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on thumb- sucking/pacifier/smoking cessation, and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.
Intervention – In some cases, pediatric dentists may discuss the possibility of early oral treatments with parents. In the case of oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or bruxism (grinding), space maintainers may be fitted, a nighttime mouth guard may be recommended, or reconstructive surgery may be scheduled.