We want your child to have the best oral care possible. Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Stuart Scott, has over 30 years of experience with pediatric dentistry. He has been a part of our team since 1993!
General dentists are licensed to treat anyone, from children to elderly patients. They are perfectly capable of assessing someone’s oral health. However, a board-certified pediatric dentist is specifically trained and keeps up to date on the latest best practices for treating the needs of children’s oral health.
Keep reading our guide to understand why you should trust your child’s dental care to a board-certified pediatric dentist versus a general dentist who happens to treat children.
Why Choose a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist?
There are several reasons why a board-certified pediatric dentist is the right choice for your child’s dental care.
1. Advanced Training Beyond Dental School
A board-certified pediatric dentist must first earn a four-year degree from an accredited dental school, which is an advanced degree beyond a four-year bachelor’s degree. Once the person graduates, they become a doctor certified to practice dentistry.
To earn board certification as a pediatric dentist, candidates are required to undergo two to three years of advanced training beyond dental school. This additional education includes at least one year of advanced education in a pediatric dentistry residency program approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. A residency includes hands-on training under the direct tutelage and supervision of a board-certified pediatric dentist.
Then, doctors must pass the oral clinician examination administered by highly experienced and board-certified pediatric dentists through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
2. Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists Are Committed to Lifelong Learning
The education of a board-certified pediatric dentist like Dr. Scott continues well beyond the advanced training. To maintain certification, board-certified pediatric dentists must complete 15 hours of continuing education and pass a 50-question exam every year. Otherwise, a doctor may lose that board certification.
3. Children’s Teeth Are Different From Adult Teeth
Children’s teeth require specialized treatment because your child’s mouth will continue to grow. 90% of a human’s facial bones stop growing by age 12 or so. The lower jaw will stop growing by around age 18. A board-certified pediatric dentist has had special training to recognize how best to treat your child’s teeth and gums as they continue to develop from babyhood until their late teens.
A general dentist is able to effectively care for anyone’s dental needs. However, a board-certified pediatric dentist has the specialized training, expertise, and knowledge to understand the development of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw.
4. Continuous Care in the Early Years Into Young Adulthood
Your child’s board-certified pediatric dentist will understand your child’s dental care and medical history, giving him or her the knowledge they need to deliver expert care for your child. Imagine finding an excellent dentist for your child and then maintaining that relationship for many years to come. Your youngster will receive excellent care!
5. Individualized Treatment Beyond Physical Care
During Dr. Scott’s advanced education as a board-certified pediatric dentist, he received specialized training for working with children who have special needs. This is true for all dentists who seek board certification. They study child psychology and child development to learn how best to handle the unique challenges that come with treating kids.
Every child is unique, including yours. Dr. Scott on our team will provide friendly, kid-centric, and individualized treatment for your youngster. He’s also trained to deliver dental care for children with special needs, such as kids who have been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and other developmental conditions.
Check the Credentials of Your Child’s Dentist
It’s important to look at the credentials of your child’s dentist to see if the doctor’s website says “board certification” for pediatric dentistry. Some well-known dentists in town will see children, but they are general dentists who happen to have children as patients. They are not necessarily board-certified pediatric dentists. If your dentist’s website doesn’t mention board certification in pediatric dentistry, ask your current provider if they hold this advanced certification.
Make an Appointment With Dr. Scott
Interested in having your child meet Dr. Scott? Contact us or call (417) 887-1220 to make an appointment. Our dedicated pediatric staff will help your child receive the best dental care possible!
