“What Is A Pediatric Dentist?
After finishing dental school, some dentists continue their education into a Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program. They get special training and gain extensive knowledge treating infants through adolescents. Each stage of childhood from infant, toddler, pre-teens and teens require different approaches in behavior, guiding dental growth and development. Using their expertise in childhood development & behavior a pediatric dentist is better equipped to treat this population.
A Pediatric dentist loves working with children, a pediatric dental office staff is also trained in creating a kid friendly environment that is conducive and non threatening to a child. The pediatric dental office is designed with kids in mind, decorations, activities all help in providing a friendly and comfortable environment for children and families. Keeping the non-treated siblings engaged helps takes the stress of parents who can focus on getting involved with child’s treatment.
Here is a video from American Academy of Pediatric Dentists:
Here are some Behaviour management techniques used by Dentist
Language used to communicate
Pediatric dentists often use different or simpler names for dental procedures to help children feel less scared and to make things easier to understand. Many dental words can sound confusing or frightening to kids, so dentists use friendly terms or explain things in a way that makes sense to children258. This helps kids know what to expect and makes their visit to the dentist less stressful. Using easy words also helps parents and kids talk better with the dentist and feel more comfortable during dental visits25.
Here are some examples of how pediatric dentists use different, friendlier names for dental procedures and tools to help kids feel more comfortable:
| Adult Dental Term | Kid-Friendly Name |
|---|---|
| Needle or shot | Sprayer, sleep juice, or sleepy drops |
| Drill | Whistle brush or Mr. Bumpy |
| Decay or cavity | Sugar bug hole |
| Examination | Count teeth |
| Tooth cleaning | Tickle teeth |
| Explorer (dental pick) | Tooth counter |
| Rubber dam | Raincoat |
| Nitrous oxide (gas) | Magic air or happy air |
| Suction | Vacuum, straw, or Mr. Thirsty |
| Water/air sprayer | Squirt gun |
| Mouth prop | Tooth chair or pillow |
| Pull or yank a tooth | Wiggle a tooth out |
These special names help make the dentist’s office feel less scary and more fun for kids1.
Pediatric dentists use many special techniques to help kids feel safe and comfortable at the dentist. Here are some ways they do this:
- Tell-Show-Do: The dentist explains what they will do, shows the tools or steps in a simple way, and then does the procedure. This helps kids know what to expect and feel less scared56.
- Distraction: Dentists might let kids watch cartoons, listen to music, or play with toys during their visit to take their minds off the dental work45.
- Positive Reinforcement: Kids get praise, stickers, or small rewards for being brave and cooperating. This makes them feel good about going to the dentist2456.
- Relaxation Techniques: Dentists may teach kids deep breathing or help them imagine a happy place to help them relax2578.
- Child-Friendly Language: Dentists use fun and simple words to explain things, like calling the suction “Mr. Thirsty” or a cleaning tool a “tickle brush”69.
- Pretend Play: Sometimes, dentists or parents practice a pretend dental visit at home so kids know what will happen and feel more comfortable36.
- Sedation Options: For kids who are very anxious or need a lot of dental work, the dentist might use laughing gas or other safe medicines to help them relax5.
All these techniques help make dental visits easier and happier for kids!