In the Know for You to Know

When I was a dental student I first heard about specialists being Board Certified. But I didn’t know what it meant or about the process. It was in my senior year that it all came together and I understood what Board Certified meant. Not just for me, but more importantly for my future patients.
As a Pediatric Dental resident I knew that I wanted to be Board Certified. My program was rigorous. The knowledge I was gaining was boundless and there was so much to communicate.
The best way and only way was to become Board Certified. This meant that my patients would receive the ultimate in care.
Being Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry means that we are a Diplomate of The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD).
As a Diplomate, we seek to acquire new knowledge and bring it to the fore front to enhance our care of children, of your child. We hold ourselves accountable to a higher standard for the greater good in making a difference for your child.
I often think back to when I was a student and before I became a mother, how would I have known what to do? Would I have known to seek out a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist for my child? What would these credentials mean? Why is it important for my child’s Pediatric Dentist to be Board Certified?
Today we’re answering those questions and discussing the importance of choosing a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist.
Why Choose A Specialist In Pediatric Dentistry?
Finding a good dentist for your child can be hard. As a parent you want the best for your child and may wonder whether you should bring your child to see a pediatric dentist or go to the dentist you usually see. You need to feel confident in making the best choice for your child and family.
This is some information to help you decide what works best for the care of your child’s oral health.
Highly Specialized Training
Pediatric Dentists are specifically trained to treat children’s developing teeth and understand the complexities of how teeth grow and develop at different ages and stages. They know the unique issues that children can face during the different stages of their growth and development.
Children generally lose their first baby teeth around the age of 6 years old and this continues with permanent teeth growing in until they are teenagers. Pediatric dentists plan and address certain issues which occur at specific growth stages.
This expanded training also includes understanding the varying childhood behaviors and helping children through their appointments in a positive and comfortable way.
Starting in infancy with the first tooth Pediatric Dentists are committed to setting children on the path for a lifetime of good oral health and positive dental experiences.
Specifically Designed Materials And Equipment For Children
Pediatric dental offices are designed specifically with your child’s needs in mind. From a bright friendly office (where we know their name), to toys and i-Pads in the waiting room, cartoons and popular children’s movies when sitting in the dental chair, and plenty of stickers and prizes to choose from at the end of their appointment. This evokes positive dental experiences where your child may not want to leave.
Not only that, Pediatric Dentists will purchase smaller sized equipment and specific materials with children in mind.
Pediatric Dentists put your child at ease by introducing everything (from examinations to equipment to procedures) step-by-step using effective child-friendly techniques such as tell-show-do without overwhelming them.
Prevention Is Our Focus
Pediatric Dentists are trained to focus on the prevention of dental problems to ensure a lifetime of good dental health.
As a pediatric specialist, we can give you advice and teach your child about developing healthy habits, such as twice a day brushing, nightly flossing and eating foods that promote good oral health.
A Pediatric Dentist also has the latest information on preventive, conservative and minimal treatments for children; such as bioactive materials and sealants.
Why Choose A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist?
You get all of the above plus more!
It’s important to know what Board Certified means so you can make an informed decision when selecting a Pediatric Dentist for your child’s dental needs.
The ABPD certifies Pediatric Dentists based on standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral healthcare for infants, children, adolescents, as well as children and adults with special health needs.
Not all Pediatric Dentists are Board Certified by the ABPD. The process of Board Certification is completely voluntary!
All dentists who complete a Pediatric Dental Residency program can practice the specialty of children’s dentistry with their certificate. However, participation and satisfactory completion of the examination process by the ABPD demonstrates a Pediatric Dentist’s pursuit for continued proficiency and excellence.
The examination process is designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills and experience that’s requisite for the delivery of quality patient care. Be confident knowing the Pediatric Dentist you choose has attained ABPD Board Certification.
Board Certification represents the highest level of credentials in the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry.
What To Remember
Board Certification marks the highest level of excellence in Pediatric Dentistry. A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist goes above and beyond to provide your child with specialized care that is specific for their oral health needs.











Are you taking your child to a Pediatric Dentist? Do you know if your child’s Pediatric Dentist is Board Certified? Knowing what you know now, what makes Board Certification important for you? Tell Us We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
