Because our baby teeth are designed to fall out, there’s a common misconception that oral health isn’t quite as important when kids are young. After all, aren’t baby teeth “disposable?” Unfortunately, this mindset can hurt kids in the long run. For children, it’s crucial to establish good oral health habits early to set them on the right track for their adult teeth to grow in! This is why it’s important to partner with a great child’s dentist who can help take care of those little pearly whites.
Even better, a board-certified dentist can go above and beyond to provide specialized care that will help children get the foundation they need early in life.
Here in the Arlington and Hurst areas, there’s no shortage of dentists—but a board-certified professional is always the better choice. Let’s take a look at why the extra certification matters, and how it helps your little ones.
1. Board Certification Means Extra Training
No requirement says that a dentist needs to be board-certified.
It’s true, of course, that all Texas dentists must have a license that allows them to practice dentistry in the state. They also need to have a dental degree from an accredited dental school. This means that licensed dentists already need to go through years of training just to get started in their practice.
However, board-certified dentists go above and beyond the basic degree and job requirements of the average dentist. This means there’s plenty of extra training for board-certified pediatric dentists to help them serve their young patients.
To get a certification, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPS) requires dentists to complete advanced education courses. They’ll also need to go through a qualifying examination and a dedicated pediatric residency.
These extra obstacles to certification mean that every board-certified dentist has a great deal of extra training and knowledge to help them tackle everything from preventative check-ups to restorative care.
2. Board Certification Means a Commitment to Lifelong Learning
To remain board-certified, a pediatric dentist must show a commitment to lifelong learning.
The ABPS requires its board-certified dentists to renew their certificates on a regular basis. This means that dentists must take on even more training, even with an established dental practice.
In other words, board-certified dentists are always on top of the latest knowledge in the field of pediatric dental health. To keep their certification valid, they can’t afford not to be!
When it comes to your child, this is great news. A board-certified pediatric dentist will always be aware of the latest state-of-the-art approaches to dental health. This, of course, includes the latest procedures and technology that make a difference.
3. Adult Teeth and Children’s Teeth Are Different
Parents may not always be aware that children’s teeth aren’t just “small teeth.” In fact, they can be very different from adult teeth!
For example, baby teeth tend to be more square-shaped, with less obvious grooves. They’re also not as durable as adult teeth. In addition, because they act as “placeholders” for adult teeth, it’s important to consider where they are in the mouth.
While most non-certified dentists may be equipped to help your child, a board-certified pediatric dentist will have the most experience with the nuances that make children’s teeth unique. Trusting an experienced and certified dentist ensures the best experience for your little one.
4. Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists Know How a Child’s Mind Works
Your pediatric dentists aren’t just experts on kids’ teeth—they’re also experts on kids’ minds!
Board-certified pediatric dentists specialize in children’s oral health, but they also study child cognitive development. This means that, unlike the average dentist, they’ll be familiar with a child’s dental, emotional, and behavioral needs.
The dentist’s office can be a scary place even for adults, so it’s no wonder many children feel anxious about visiting a dentist. However, a board-certified pediatric dentist will know how to create positive dental experiences for your child.
This happens in multiple ways. First, a pediatric dentist’s office will always be more kid-friendly than the office of a general dentist. This means creating calm, soothing environments with plenty of toys and entertainment.
Next, board-certified pediatric dentists are experts in cutting through kids’ nerves! With their extensive background in child development and psychology, they know all the tricks to help get kids comfortable with their dental care.
In addition, it’s always worth considering a board-certified pediatric dentist for a special needs child. These dentists are skilled at providing gentle and individualized care to any child. From autism to ADHD, a board-certified dentist is equipped to help.
5. Board-Certified Dentists Can Provide Kid-Friendly (and Parent-Friendly!) Guidance
As your child grows, they’re constantly picking up habits that will carry them through the later stages of their lives. This is why it’s so important to make sure they’re adopting the right habits on the front end!
When it comes to oral health, it’s especially crucial to make sure your kids have the right approach.
A board-certified dentist knows how to provide age-appropriate guidance on oral health. This includes brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking habits. As stated above, a pediatric dentist will also know how to offer this info in a fun and welcoming way!
In addition, pediatric dentists know that caring for little teeth doesn’t always come naturally to parents, either. From flossing struggles to worries over pacifier use, parents may have questions and concerns about their child’s teeth. A board-certified pediatric dentist can help you work out a treatment plan to help your child both in the dentist’s office and at home.
Make Sure Your Child’s Dentist Is Board-Certified
By now, it should be obvious: there are plenty of important reasons to make sure your child’s dentist is board-certified! The right professional can help set your child off to a great start for dental health and put them at ease in the dentist’s chair.
When the time comes to find a board-certified pediatric dentist, we hope you’ll trust our team! Our board-certified dentists are trusted throughout Arlington and Hurst, and we pride ourselves on offering a welcoming and kid-friendly environment for our patients. Whether you need a cleaning or a check-in about a tooth problem, request an appointment with us today.