Not all dentists are created equal. And when it comes to choosing a dentist to care for your child’s dental health, that’s certainly the case!
Throughout our country you’ll find many pediatric dentists, but – within that community – there’s a smaller collection of dentists that are board-certified in pediatric dentistry, which means that they’ve gone above and beyond to understand the ins and outs of a child’s mouth as well as how to properly treat children emotionally and physically.
What does “board-certified” mean?
Every dentist goes to dental school, of course, and becomes certified to practice their craft. Some go on to seek further education beyond their initial degree while others go immediately into practice.
When an individual is interested in being a dentist for children and adolescents, they will seek additional training for this, which – of course – is ongoing as new and different treatments and techniques arise. In addition, however, they can seek to become board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), an organization that strives for “high-quality oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs”.
When a dentist is able to display this accreditation, it is an “assurance to the public that a board certified pediatric dentist has successfully completed accredited specialty training,” the ABPD explains.
Pediatric dentists who are board-certified are required to continually renew their certification, which allows an ongoing accurate assessment of the individual’s knowledge, skill, and judgement, and insures that only the best are able to hang that designation on their wall.
Why choose a board-certified pediatric dentist?
If you’re like most parents, you seek only the best for your child, whether it’s the food and drink they put into their mouth, their education, or the care they receive from others. You probably take your child to a pediatrician for his/her well check-ups and general medical needs because that makes the most sense. After all, you wouldn’t want to take your child to a doctor who treats mostly older patients!
Well, the same should be true for dentists. A pediatric dentist – quite simply – knows how to work with children. But a board-certified pediatric dentist goes one step further! That person does what it takes to garner the education to provide expert care to all young patients.
Are all pediatric dentists certified by the ABPD? No, it’s completely voluntary. As a matter of fact, recent statistics show that fewer than 40 percent of pediatric dentists opt for board certification. So, if you’ve located a dentist that is indeed certified, you’ve found the one that’s willing to go the extra mile.
Why is that important for your child?
It’s easy. Board certification means that this individual has passed a rigorous amount of testing to prove that they are equipped to treat younger patients. That not only means being up-to-date on the latest protocols, practice guidelines, regulations, and treatments for little ones but it also means that they have demonstrated kindness, gentleness, and the ability to relate to their young patients, including those with special needs.
That last part is especially important because it’s been proven that a child who becomes comfortable with dentistry early on in life will become the adult that maintains good oral habits and health. It also means less fear, which makes taking your child to the dentist an easier chore. In addition, when a child becomes fond of their dentist and establishes a dental home early in life, they can expect to maintain that healthy smile throughout their life. And that’s what we want for our children!
Here at Anchorage Pediatric Dentistry, all of our pediatric dentists are board certified. They have taken the extra step to ensure the best care for your child! Please contact us at 907-562-1003 to schedule an appointment today! We look forward to meeting you!
