As you consider your options for whom your child should see when it comes to their oral health, you may wonder if a pediatric dentist is best. After all, many professionals see children and adults. However, if you want a more specialized approach – one that focuses on the health of young smiles and how they grow and develop – keep reading to learn more about the history of pediatric dentistry and why you won’t regret choosing one for your child.
Pediatric Dentistry: The Early Days
While general dentistry dates back thousands of years, the focus on children didn’t become clear until the early 1900s. With the opening of the first oral hygiene school – Fones Clinic For Dental Hygienists – female students were instructed to clean children’s teeth.
It was around this same time that Minnie Evangeline Jordon, a dental assistant in Los Angeles, CA, opened a kids-only dental practice. Her decision to pursue this endeavor stemmed from a project she completed while in college that focused on the effects of sugar and other various foods on young teeth.
As decades passed, the American Dental Association officially recognized pediatric dentistry as a specialty in the 1940s. As a result, additional awareness was made available about children’s oral health, eventually causing an uptick in the number of children visiting the dentist each year (about 50%).
More than 10 years later, The Pediatric Dentistry Training Program was founded so that interested dentists could receive advanced training on how to care for children’s teeth and gums, as well as those considered intellectually and physically disabled (special needs).
Pediatric Dentistry: Nearing the 21st Century
By the 1990s, the American population was made aware of how important it was to ensure the health of children’s smiles because of how it closely connects with their overall well-being. Eventually, the American Dental Association approved the concept that comprehensive oral healthcare was necessary for all children, and it was to begin before they reached the age of one.
Society today has a clearer understanding of just how impactful starting good oral habits at an early age can be. With countless professionals pursuing pediatric dentistry as their preferred specialization, more children of all socio-economic backgrounds can receive essential care. In fact, the 2014 Affordable Care Act (ACA) made it a requirement that, no matter the insurance status of children, they can receive necessary dental treatment to improve their oral and overall health.
Why See a Pediatric Dentist?
If you want your child to enjoy a smile that is healthy for a lifetime, here are a few reasons to choose a pediatric dentist as opposed to any other:
- They possess additional and advanced training on ways to care for growing and developing smiles
- They have the knowledge and experience to treat children with special needs
- Their offices are often kid-friendly
- Many pediatric dentists use smaller instruments and explain their use to children
- They offer a compassionate approach that allows children to feel safe and secure
There are many choices when it comes to finding a dentist for your little one, but if you want to be sure their smile gets the care it needs from infancy to adolescence, entrust their oral health to a pediatric dentist.
About the Author
As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Homer Sedighi strives to create a friendly, welcoming, safe, and comfortable environment for children. Recognizing the feelings and emotions they might face when visiting the first time, he and his team personalize each appointment to ensure every child gets the attention they need and deserve. If you have questions about pediatric dentistry or want to know more about how we can take care of your child’s smile, contact us at (636) 777-7777.