Pediatric Dentist

What is Pedodontics and Which Applications Does It Cover? 

Pedodontics is the specialty of dentistry that follows dental development, oral and dental health from the moment of birth until the completion of permanent teeth. In short, it can be defined as pediatric dentistry. 

It is effective in protecting the milk and permanent dental health of children between the ages of 0 and 13. The main goal is to ensure the health of the teeth against caries, hereditary problems and trauma. Pedodontic dentists follow the oral health, dental health, jaw and facial development of children starting from infancy. They also ensure that preventive measures are taken in the field of dental health. 

Pedodontists take into account the dental health needs in infancy and childhood and perform preventive and protective applications as well as therapeutic methods. In order for dentists to become pedodontists, they must receive 2 years of education outside of dentistry. In order to protect oral and dental health in childhood, it is better to prefer dentists specialized in pedodontics instead of adult dentists. 
 

Which Applications Does Pedodontics Cover? 

Pedodontists take the necessary measures for oral and dental health in infancy, childhood and adolescence. The applications in the field of pedodontics are as follows; 

Determining the caries seen in children and ensuring that necessary protective applications are made, 

Creating and controlling tooth brushing habits in children, raising awareness about proper tooth brushing, 

Creating healthy eating habits in children, 

Applying treatments against deformities and caries that occur in deciduous and permanent teeth, 

Regular follow-up of oral, dental, jaw and facial development from infancy, 

Making placeholder applications in order to protect the place of milk teeth lost during periods of mobility, 

Raising awareness and guiding parents about children's oral and dental care falls within the field of pedodontics. 


How to Become a Pedodontics Specialist? 

A pedodontic specialist, also known as a pediatric dentist, implements the necessary preventive practices to protect the oral and dental health of children between the ages of 0-13. They adapt all applications applied in the field of dentistry to the level of children. 

There is a two-stage process to become a pedodontic specialist. First of all, it is necessary to complete a bachelor's degree in dentistry. Dentistry graduates must then take the Entrance Examination for Specialty Education in Dentistry and get a valid grade. Then, a 2-year specialty training in pedodontics should be taken. 


Why is Pedodontics Important? 

It is necessary to choose a pedodontic specialist for oral and dental health care in childhood and infancy. Because these specialists are experienced in dealing well with children. They are also able to provide children with information about dental health in an understandable and level-appropriate way. 

Pedodontists have a good command of children's oral and dental structure. They also follow new developments in the field of pediatric dentistry. They perform dental treatment of children with game methods. They also have the necessary knowledge about child psychology.