If you have children, choosing the right dentist can be complicated. The family dental care you choose will set your child up for a lifetime of oral hygiene, and it’s important to find a dental professional your child feels comfortable with. As you research possibilities, you’ll encounter two terms: general dentist and pediatric dentist. You need to know the difference to make the best decision for your family.

Here are a few key differences between a general and pediatric dentist.

• Training: All dentists are doctors with a degree from dental school. Their education includes four years for a bachelor’s degree, and an additional four years at dental school. Pediatric dentists, however, aren’t finished after those eight years. They require two more years of training on tooth development and child behavior.
• Practice: Once a general dentist has earned their degree, they can start seeing patients at a family dental care center. Their patients can be toddlers, teenagers, adults, and seniors. Pediatric dentists, on the other hand, only treat children from infancy through adolescence.
• Special Care: The biggest difference between general and pediatric dentists is the kind of care they give patients. Visiting the dentist can be scary for children, but pediatric dentists go out of their way to make young patients feel comfortable. They’re friendly, and their offices are usually designed to appeal to kids. They focus on preventative care and developing good habits to get kids started on proper teeth cleaning.

The best way to determine whether your child will do better with a general or pediatric dentist is to schedule an appointment and experience the difference.

Magnolia Dental is a family dental care center in Waynesboro, VA, trusted by patients of any age. Call them at (540) 943-2723 or visit their website to learn more about teeth cleaning, fillings, and other dental services for your children.