What exactly do pedodontist do?

[jk5177]

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A general dentist toward me once about child dentistry. I thought that was silly. Does that even exist? I know it does, but why? Can anyone help me with my ignorance.

 

[redhead]

A general dentist toward me once about child dentistry. I thought that was silly. Does that even exist? I know it does, but why? Can anyone help me with my ignorance.

I believe that it is pediatric dentistry you are talking about. They specialize in treating children. They work with very young children all the way up to young adults. I guess they have specialized instruments (smaller than usual) that will be of great use to the younger population. Also, it takes a special talent to deal with screaming kids.

 

[aphistis]

A general dentist toward me once about child dentistry. I thought that was silly. Does that even exist? I know it does, but why? Can anyone help me with my ignorance.

Orthodontics, developmental abnormalities, extra training restoring the primary & young permanent dentition (your teeth change as you grow older, & you have to be more careful working on little Timmy who just got his first permanent teeth & they're already carious), personality (just like a pediatrician's office is more kid-friendly than an ordinary family practice physician's), etc. Pedodontics differs from general dentistry the same way every pediatric medical specialty differs from its adult counterpart. Do a Google; you'll probably turn up more than you ever wanted to know.

 

[Biogirl361]

they have special training in child development, psychology and management. like was said before, i think the most significant difference is that it takes patience and talent to work on screaming and thrashing kids. they are also just a little more familiar with the primary teeth and transition from primary to permanent and all that just b/c that is almost all they work on. i think they also have special training in sedation. many pedo's also take on mentally challenged teens and adults that other dentists won't do, in addition to the kids. you should shadow a pedo for a few days if you really want to appreciate the difference between gp and pedo.

 

[jk5177]

Thanks for all the useful replies. I intend to check out a pedodontist sometimes.

Anyone know, from the top of your head, any dental schools which offer such specialty?

 

[aphistis]

Plenty of schools offer pedo residencies. I don't have anything like a complete list, but they're out there. Just keep your grades up in dental school and you'll have a shot if that's what you want to do--but definitely make sure it's what you like, since it's a whole different ballgame from general dentistry.

 

[jk5177]

Whole different ball game?
Well, I'll have to go shadow one of them then.

 

[podarski]

how much to they make compared to gp

 

[Typo]

Little hellions. That's what it's all about. 😉