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What is the difference between a general and a pediatric dentist?

Dr. Cameron Zealand, pediatric dentist at North Calgary Pediatric Dentistry:
"When it comes to dental care, there are different types of dentists who specialize in various areas. Two of the most common types of dentists are general dentists and pediatric dentists. While both types of dentists focus on oral health, they have different areas of expertise and treat different age groups. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between a general and a pediatric dentist."

General Dentist

A general dentist is a dental professional who provides a wide range of dental services to patients of all ages. General dentists are responsible for diagnosing and treating dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. They also provide preventive care, such as routine cleanings and checkups, to help maintain oral health.

In addition to diagnosing and treating dental problems, general dentists also educate patients on proper dental hygiene and provide advice on how to maintain a healthy smile. They may also offer cosmetic dental services, such as teeth whitening or veneers, to improve the appearance of a patient's smile.

General dentists typically complete a four-year dental program after earning a bachelor's degree. They then pass a licensing exam to become a licensed dental professional. General dentists are trained to treat patients of all ages, from children to seniors.

Pediatric Dentist

A pediatric dentist is a dental professional who specializes in providing dental care to children from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentists focus on the unique dental needs of children, including the development of their teeth and jaws.

Pediatric dentists provide a range of dental services to children, including preventive care, such as cleanings and checkups, as well as restorative care, such as fillings and crowns. They also provide advice on proper dental hygiene and offer guidance on healthy habits, such as proper nutrition and fluoride treatments.

Pediatric dentists typically complete a four-year dental program, followed by an additional two to three years of specialized training in pediatric dentistry. They are trained to work with children of all ages, from infants to teenagers, and are familiar with the unique challenges that come with treating young patients.

The Difference Between General and Pediatric Dentists

pediatric dentist
While general and pediatric dentists both focus on oral health, there are some key differences between the two types of dental professionals. The main difference is the age groups they treat.

General dentists treat patients of all ages, while pediatric dentists specialize in treating children. This means that pediatric dentists have additional training in working with children and are better equipped to handle the unique challenges that come with treating young patients. They are also trained to address the specific dental needs of children, such as the development of their teeth and jaws.

Another difference between general and pediatric dentists is the types of services they offer. General dentists offer a wide range of dental services, from routine cleanings and checkups to cosmetic dental procedures. Pediatric dentists, on the other hand, focus primarily on preventive and restorative care for children, such as cleanings, fillings, and crowns.

When to See a General Dentist vs. a Pediatric Dentist

If you are an adult or have a family with members of all ages, a general dentist may be the best choice for your dental care needs. General dentists are trained to provide a wide range of dental services and can treat patients of all ages. They can also provide advice on proper dental hygiene and offer guidance on healthy habits.

If you have children, it is recommended that they see a pediatric dentist starting at around age one or when their first tooth appears. Pediatric dentists are trained to work with children and can provide specialized care to meet their unique dental needs. They can also provide advice on proper dental hygiene and offer guidance on healthy habits, such as proper nutrition and fluoride treatments.

Dr. Cameron Zealand, pediatric dentist at North Calgary Pediatric Dentistry:

"General dentists and pediatric dentists both play important roles in maintaining good oral health. General dentists are trained to provide a wide range of dental services to patients of all ages, while pediatric dentists specialize in providing dental care to children. When deciding whether to see a general dentist or a pediatric dentist, it is important to consider the age and dental needs of the patient. While general dentists can treat patients of all ages, pediatric dentists have specialized training in working with children and can provide specialized care to meet their unique dental needs. Whether you choose a general dentist or a pediatric dentist, it is important to prioritize regular dental checkups and preventive care to maintain good oral health."

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