How To Become a Pediatric Dentist

If you are concerned with the dental care and oral health of children, then here is some information which may be helpful on how to become a pediatric dentist. This pediatric dentist information will consist of explaining what pediatric dentistry is, including general information regarding the specialty, the education and training requirements, and salary information. What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry consists of a group of dentists who specialize in the dental care and oral health of children. They perform a variety of duties such as teeth cleaning, extraction of teeth, fill cavities, refer patients to orthodontists for braces, suggest dietary changes which may improve dental health, and diagnose and treat various oral and dental disorders. Part of their job is also to teach children about the importance of dental health as well as brushing and flossing techniques which may prevent future cavities and gum disease.

General information
A pediatric dentist is a dentist who has undergone additional education and training specializing in pediatric dentistry. Due to having to work in direct contact with their patients, it is imperative for them to be able to work well and get along with children. Going to the dentist is a frightening experience, especially for children; therefore being able to make their patients feel as comfortable as possible during the visit is an important factor in being able to run a successful practice. These specialty dentists will also have to work with children who are disabled or have special needs, and having to perform dental procedures on these children may be difficult; therefore, patience, caring and understanding are also prerequisites for this position.

Education and training requirements
You can find a vast array of information about how to become a pediatric dentist on the Internet, which includes information on the education and training requirements for becoming a pediatric dentist. All dentists must possess a high school diploma and a bachelors degree which includes pre-dental study such as biology, chemistry, physics, and behavioral or social sciences. They must also graduate from an accredited 4-year dental college and obtain either the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. However, before admittance to a dental college it is required that all applicants take and pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). After graduating from dental college, it is a requirement to spend a minimum of two years in residency focusing on entirely on pediatric dentistry. It is also imperative for these dentists to continue their education and training as often as possible in order to keep up to date with advances in technology as well as the field of study itself. Pediatric dentist information also includes state licensing requirements which usually requires graduation from an accredited dental school, completion of a residency program, and passing a written and practical exam. You must check the state you live in to verify their individual state licensing requirements for practicing pediatric dentistry.

Salary information and future outlook
The median average salary in this specialized dentistry is around $136,000 per year; however, in order to make this amount it takes a minimum of six years of schooling and training beyond an undergraduate degree.

Your oral health can have an impact on your overall health, especially if you don't brush and floss regularly, which can cause dental damage as well as oral health disorders. Therefore, pediatric dentistry is expected to grow in the near future as parents want their children to learn about how to care for their mouth and teeth at an early age in hopes that they will continue as they become adults.

How to become a pediatric dentist takes a lot of schooling, training, hard work, and patience; however, in the end it is a rewarding career in being able to teach and help children about the importance of dental hygiene.

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