What is a Family Dentist?
Like general dentistry, family dentistry provides services for the general maintenance of oral health and hygiene.
In actuality, general dentistry and family dentistry are frequently used correspondently. However, there is actually a distinction between the two.
Additionally, there are some dentists who limit practice to specific age groups. As for a family dentist, they generally treat patients of all ages, from childhood through late adulthood.
What is a Pedodontist?
Pedodontists offer oral care and treatments to young children, unlike family dentists who have a broader age range of patients.
Pediatric dentists must complete at least:
- 4 years of dental school
- Additional 2 years of residency training in the field of dentistry for babies (infants), kids, teenagers and for children that require special dental needs.
Generally, pediatric dentists practice in different regions from dental schools, to private practices, to medical centers. Pediatricians may assist parents in locating a pediatric dentist nearby.
Parents can ensure a pediatric dentist will be able to provide the best possible dental care for the child. Often, pedodontists know how to properly communicate with children and are more patient with any fears they may have at the dentist.
What is the Difference Between a Family Dentist and a Pedodontist?
These health practitioners make sure that the accumulation of plaque around the teeth is properly managed and kept to a minimum. Thus, both dentists can ensure that both the teeth and gums stay in good condition.
But they are not the same type of dentists.
Family Dentist
The ADA or the American Dental Association advises that dental patients visit a family dentist for a dental examination at least twice a year. These checkups provide deep, routine cleanings to remove the accumulation of plaque and impede the likelihood of dental caries.
Further, if necessary, these also provide fluoride treatments to shield the teeth. These treatments are pivotal in the determent of tooth decay. Preventative oral checkups can greatly aid with the early detection of dental health complications long before the outbreak of symptoms.
Pediatric Dentists
On the other hand, pediatric dentists provide oral care for younger dental patients. They often treat patients from infancy through the age of 18. This type of dentist possesses the qualifications to care for a child’s mouth, gums, and teeth all throughout all phases of childhood and adolescence.
At Hawaii Family Dental, we welcome people of all ages. We have highly-trained pediatric dentists who will help your child obtain the healthiest set of teeth possible.
