Choosing a dentist for your child is one of the first health decisions you’ll make as a parent. Pediatric dentists and family dentists can both care for kids, and both are good options. The difference comes down to training, the office itself and the kinds of care each one is set up to provide. Here’s what parents should know.
What Is the Difference?
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who focuses on infants, children and teens. A family dentist is a general dentist who sees patients of all ages, from kids to grandparents.
Both complete dental school and are licensed to treat children. The difference is the extra training a pediatric dentist completes afterward, and how that training shapes the visit.
Training and Board Certification
After dental school, pediatric dentists complete an additional residency of two to three years focused entirely on children, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. That training covers child development, how baby teeth and adult teeth grow in, behavior guidance for nervous kids, sedation and care for children with special healthcare needs.
Some pediatric dentists go a step further and become board-certified through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, which involves written and oral exams. At Jungle Roots, Dr. John Culp is a board-certified pediatric dentist who has cared for Ahwatukee and Phoenix children since 1994.
Family dentists learn to treat children in dental school and many see kids every day. Their training covers patients of every age rather than focusing on children specifically.
The Office and the Visit
A pediatric office is built around kids. The chairs, instruments and equipment are sized for small mouths, and the whole space is designed to feel welcoming rather than clinical. At Jungle Roots, the jungle theme helps put nervous kids at ease before they ever sit in the chair.
The visit itself is different too. Pediatric dentists explain each step in words kids understand and use calming techniques like showing a child what an instrument does before using it. The goal is for kids to leave with good feelings about the dentist, which makes every future visit easier.
Pediatric dentists also handle care that’s specific to children, like pulp therapy on baby teeth, space maintainers and children’s crowns. And they keep an eye on how the teeth and jaws are developing, which helps catch bite problems early.
Sedation and Special Needs
Some children need extra support to get through dental care comfortably. Pediatric dentists are trained in sedation dentistry for kids, from nitrous oxide to oral sedation. At Jungle Roots, children who need deeper support can receive IV sedation from Dr. Jason Brady, our dental anesthesiologist.
Pediatric residency also includes training in caring for children with autism, sensory differences, developmental delays and complex medical histories. Our special needs dentistry gives each child the time, patience and calm setting they need.
Pediatric Dentist vs Family Dentist at a Glance
| Feature | Pediatric dentist | Family dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Patients | Infants through teens | All ages |
| Training after dental school | Two to three year pediatric residency | No additional residency required |
| Board certification | Available through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry | Not specific to children |
| Office | Designed for kids with child-sized equipment | Designed for patients of all ages |
| Sedation and special needs | Part of residency training | Varies by dentist |
| Whole family in one place | Kids only at most practices | Yes |
One thing that’s different at Jungle Roots is that the whole family isn’t split up. Our orthodontist, Dr. Gregory Olsen, works in the same office and treats kids, teens and adults, so parents can be seen for orthodontic care alongside their children.
When to Switch to a General Dentist
There’s no strict rule. Most kids move to a general dentist sometime in their late teens or early adulthood, often around graduating high school or heading off to college. Some families make the switch earlier if a teen feels ready.
Dr. Culp is happy to talk with your family about timing when the moment feels right, and to make sure your child’s records go with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is family dentistry the same as pediatric dentistry?
No. A family dentist is a general dentist who sees patients of all ages. A pediatric dentist completes additional residency training focused only on infants, children and teens.
Is a pediatric dentist better for kids?
Both can provide good care. A pediatric dentist is often a strong choice for young children, anxious children and kids with special healthcare needs because of the extra training and the kid-focused office.
Will a pediatric dentist see adults?
Generally no. Pediatric dentists focus on children and teens. At Jungle Roots, adults can see our orthodontist, Dr. Olsen, for braces and Invisalign.
When should my child switch from a pediatric dentist?
Most kids switch in their late teens or early adulthood. There’s no set age, and your pediatric dentist can help you decide when the time is right.
How do I check whether a pediatric dentist is board-certified?
The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry has an online directory you can search for free.
Looking for a dental home for your child? Learn more about pediatric dentistry at Jungle Roots, or read about our care as a pediatric dentist in Phoenix. When you’re ready, request an appointment or call our Ahwatukee office at (480) 759-1119.