Pediatric Dentist vs Family Dentist: What's the Difference?
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who completes two to three additional years of training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs. A family or general dentist treats patients of all ages but does not receive this specialized pediatric training.
What the AAPD Says
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry explains the distinction clearly:
"Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs."
— American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Parent FAQ
Additional Training and Expertise
After completing four years of dental school, a pediatric dentist completes a residency program that includes advanced training in:
- Child behaviour management — techniques for helping anxious, fearful, or uncooperative children feel safe during treatment
- Growth and development — understanding how teeth, jaws, and facial structures develop from infancy through adolescence
- Sedation and anesthesia — safe use of nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and general anesthesia for children who need it
- Treatment of dental trauma — managing injuries to developing teeth, which respond differently than adult teeth
- Care for children with special health care needs — adapting treatment for children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other conditions
Board Certification
After completing residency training, a pediatric dentist can pursue board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Board certification requires passing a rigorous written and oral examination and demonstrates that the dentist has met the highest standards in the specialty.
Dr. Samita Gumber at Growing Smiles Children's Dentistry is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She holds two Master's degrees in Pediatric Dentistry — one from India and one from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor — and is registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.
When Should You Choose a Pediatric Dentist?
The Ontario Dental Association notes that a child's dental needs differ from those of adults. A pediatric dentist's office is specifically designed for children, from the waiting area to the treatment rooms.
You may want to choose a pediatric dentist if your child:
- Is having their first dental visit (especially infants and toddlers)
- Experiences dental anxiety or has had negative dental experiences
- Has special health care needs
- Needs treatment under sedation or general anesthesia
- Has experienced dental trauma (knocked-out or broken tooth)
- Has complex dental needs requiring specialized care
Visit Growing Smiles
Growing Smiles Children's Dentistry serves families throughout Windsor-Essex County from two locations in LaSalle and Windsor. We accept new patients with or without a referral. General dentists can refer patients for specialized pediatric care.
Call 519-800-4500 to book an appointment.
Sources: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry — Parent FAQ, Ontario Dental Association — Tips for Kids, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry