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Did you know that as of 2018, there were over 8,000 registered pediatric dentists in the United States? More and more dental practitioners are choosing to open offices primarily geared towards kids.
Have you considered bringing your child to a pediatric dentist, but you are not sure about whether it’s a good decision? Here are some of the pros and cons of a pediatric dentist vs general dentist.
Pros and Cons of Pediatric Dentistry
There are many advantages to choosing a pediatric dentist, the first being that they understand children better. Pediatric dentists have equipment specially designed for children. This way, the dentist can perform procedures more easily on smaller mouths and baby teeth.
In addition, most pediatric dentists have a kid-friendly office design. This is to make sure that children will feel welcome and have less anxiety about going to the dentist. Younger children visiting the dentist for the first time may be hesitant, so the design will put them at ease.
Another perk of visiting a pediatric dentist is that they often help to serve low-income children under government insurance programs. They also assist children with special needs. If your child has a disability or another health condition, a pediatric dentist may be the right way to go.
Unfortunately, a drawback of pediatric dentistry is that they only serve children and young adults. If you are looking for a dentist for your entire family, then you may be better off with a general dentist that serves all age groups.
Pros and Cons of General Dentistry
If you do not want a dentist’s office that only caters to children, then you should consider a good general dentist. The most obvious benefit of this type of dentist is that you can have one dentist for the whole family. You won’t have to worry about confusing bills or a longer commute.
Many general dentistry offices have many more services to offer than a pediatric dentist. For instance, if your child suffers from extreme tooth decay or needs special services, a general dentist may be more qualified than a pediatric dentist.
One of the cons of general dentistry is that the environment is not designed for children. General dentists can usually work with kids but the equipment, reception area, and other design aspects are for all ages. Your child may feel more intimidated if they come into a general dentist for their inaugural visit.
Pediatric Dentist vs General Dentist
In the end, it is up to you to decide which is best for your family when it comes to pediatric dentist vs general dentist. With these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision and feel confident that your child will have an amazing smile.
Would you like to learn more about how to make the best health choices for your child? Check out the Health section of our blog for more information on health and wellness for all ages.
