Pediatric Dentist Vs. Family Dentist: Whom You Should Choose for Your Kids?

Parents often have queries regarding taking their kids to a pediatric dentist if they have a family dentist in Gainesville. While teenagers and adults consider a family dentist for every type of dental concern, pediatric dentistry for Gainesville kids suggests taking the kids to a pediatric dentist. An increasingly growing number of families find that visiting a pediatric dentist is better for little ones as they address the particular needs of your kids and offer the most advantageous tips regarding keeping their oral hygiene on track. Below are the nitty-gritty factors for pediatric and family dentists to consider!

Table of Contents

Pediatric Dentist: Overview

They generally have higher skills, training, and experience in tackling kids. Usually, they spend years in school after finishing 4 years of dental training. During the additional 2-3 years, a pediatrician gets instructed to treat every type of child’s dental condition, including children with specific requirements. For that reason, pediatricians can deal with innovative kid’s dental issues easily.

Family Dentist: Overview

They are the general dentists treating family members irrespective of their ages. Although some family dentists in Gainesville have specialized skills, most concentrate on common dental issues, such as gum disease treatment and tooth decay. For severe or innovative dental problems, the family dentists will refer you to a professional.

Major Differences Between Family and Pediatric Dentists

Office Environment

Family Dentists – The environment isn’t child-friendly as their motto is to create a comfy zone for every type of patient; the design might not be as interesting for young kids.
Pediatric Dentists – The environment of a pediatric dentist is made solely for kids, where the waiting lounge often shows books, toys, and games. The consulting room might be adorned with kid-friendly themes to form a welcoming environment.

Specialized Training

Pediatric Dentists – After dental school, pediatric dentists acquire 2-3 years of specialized training covering child-oriented dental problems, such as sedation strategies, child behavior management, and care for kids with specialized requirements.
Family Dentists – They complete their dental practices and specialize in curing various dental problems throughout every age group. While they might treat kids daily, they don’t obtain the specialized training pediatric dentists have.

Specialized Treatments

Family Dentists – While they can cure similar issues, they might refer your kids to pediatric dentists for specialized care.
Pediatric Dentists – They are endowed with tackling a wide array of child-oriented dental problems, including early tooth decay, dental development issues, and thumb-sucking habits. They’re experienced in treating kids with extra attention.

Behavioral Management

Family Dentists – They are professionals who work with patients of different ages, but they might not have a similar level of expertise in behavior management for young kids.
Pediatric Dentists – One of the vital facets of pediatric dentistry is proficiency in managing kid’s behavior efficiently. Such dentists are perfectly trained in child psychology and can utilize atraumatic behavior management strategies along with sedation to aid kids in feeling calm and comfortable during dental visits.

Considerations for Opting for the Right Dentist for Your Kids

While determining between a family and pediatric dentist, consider the below-mentioned factors:

Your family’s choices – If you like a dentist trained in kid’s dental care, a pediatric dentist might be a suitable fit.
Your kid’s age and requirements – For young kids or those with extra needs, specialized training and a child-friendly ambiance of pediatric dentistry might be the ideal choice.
Your kid’s level of comfort – If your kid has had adverse experiences with dental visits in the past, a specialized approach of a pediatric dentist might aid your kids in rebuilding trust and making future visits more relaxing.