Q. When should my child first see a dentist?

A. "First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future.

Pediatric Dentists:
The first stop for Children’s Dental Care

Remember when children kicked and screamed their way to the dentist? Not anymore–the trip is judged a treat by children who sing songs, watch their favorite video, and learn to brush along with their favorite cartoon character. Pediatric dental offices have more in common with a modern play land that an old-fashioned doctor’s office.

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. They are specially trained for children’s unique dental health needs

Their professional education includes two to three years of specialized study after becoming a dentist, emphasizing child psychology, growth and development. Infants, preschoolers, children, and adolescents each need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs

To help a child stay totally healthy, the pediatric dentist often works with pediatricians, other physicians and other dental specialists. All children, whether healthy, chronically ill, disabled, or mentally impaired are served best through this team approach. This specialty is becoming even more important as a result of technical advances in medicine and dentistry and the increased populations of children with chronic diseases and congenital problems.

Pediatric dentists take a large number of continuing education courses each year to provide the latest and the best oral care treatment for your child.