It’s a common question:

“Why does my child need to see a pediatric dentist instead of a regular dentist?”

While it seems to make sense to have your child just visit the family dentist, a pediatric specialist understands the perspectives and needs of children. Not only that, but there is a few years more training involved. Here’s some insight into the subject.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Pediatric dentists are trained to address the unique physiologic, emotional, and social needs of their young patients. Whereas most dentists are able to practice adult dentistry immediately after four years of dental school, pediatric dentists complete two to three more years of advanced training. This extra clinical education prepares them for the special medical issues of infants, children, adolescents, including those with extraordinary needs.

Education for a pediatric dentist focuses specifically on the medical and dental health aspects of children. While most general dentists treat a broad range of dental issues, a pediatric specialist acts as a “pediatrician” in charge of oral health. Early dental problems, including baby bottle tooth decay, pacifier use, and routine care of an infant’s teeth are all commonly handled in the pediatric dental practice. Pediatric dentists also follow children from a very early age through their adolescence and are able to closely monitor their growth and development over time. This facilitates early recognition and referral of problems such as the need for orthodontic evaluation.

ESTABLISHING TRUST
As many as 75% of all adults experience some degree of dental fear. 5-10% suffer from a more extreme version known as dental phobia, a fear so strong that they avoid dental care at all costs. Early childhood visits to an office specializing in pediatric dentistry dramatically decreases this fear later in life by establishing a positive and enjoyable dental experience from start. This is achieved in many ways and begins the moment a family walks into a pediatric dental office. These first impressions set the tone for how the child feels and acts at the dentist. Our office is designed with children in mind, incorporating a Dr. Seuss Theme that is colorful and fun throughout the office, along with games, TV’s and prizes. Having the first dental visit in a friendly and nonthreatening environment develops trust and confidence in dental care that can carry over into adulthood.

Additionally, preventative care is much more easily fostered in these friendly surroundings. Children feel good about their teeth and want to protect their dental identities. Once inside the pediatric-themed office, the child’s positive experience is reinforced by toys, puzzles, coloring books, video games, overhead televisions, reward stickers, and treasure boxes. A nurturing environment is supported by playful office staff trained to work with children and who (more importantly) wish to work solely with young patients. Dr. Dunne’s staff genuinely enjoys interacting with their patients and teaching kids the valuable health lesson of taking responsibility for caring for one’s teeth. The positive attitude in the office spreads from patient to patient, and with no other adults being treated (as in a regular dental office), the child begins to feel that the pediatric office is a kid-safe zone, as well as making them feel special.

SPECIAL CARE
For the nervous child in whom behavioral techniques and simple reassurance are not enough to allay their fears, most pediatric offices have nitrous oxide or ”laughing gas”. This medicine does not place children under general (asleep) anesthesia but rather in a mild and safe state of sedation. Once relaxed, dental treatments can easily proceed in a more pleasant manner. For the child in whom nitrous oxide is not a good option, Dr. Dunne has hospital privileges and can perform the required work in the operating room, under the watchful eye of a pediatric anesthesiologist. This provides a very safe and controlled environment in which to treat the most anxious and medically compromised child.

Obviously, good oral health is an important part of total health when treating children and our good working relationships with other pediatric health professionals is very useful. We often work with pediatricians, other physicians, and dental specialists to design a specifically tailored treatment plan that is ideal for your child.

Not every health care professional is well suited or has the education to care for children. It takes a special amount of patience, compassion, and skill to handle a child expressing natural fears related to new experiences, unfamiliar environments, parental separation, anxiety, or pain. Dr. Dunne is such a professional. He loves working with children, and in turn, his patients love coming to see him. They always want to know when they can come back at the end of their visit. Dr, Dunne, who is a parent as well, has dedicated his career to caring for your children in a warm, nurturing, and safe place.

Dr. Dunne is happy to address your concerns about your children’s dental well-being and can be reached at the office at 541-485-0175 or via email.