What Does It Take to Become a Pediatric Dentist?

Dentists care for the mouth, including tissue, teeth and gums. Dentists provide both preventative care and treatment of dental problems. Preventative care includes annual cleanings, and instructions on diet, brushing, flossing, and fluoride. Treatment of problems includes the removal of tooth decay, the filling of cavities, and the taking and deciphering of x-rays. Dentists may extract damaged teeth, and/or fit patients with dentures and models or molds to replace extracted teeth. Pediatric dentists work specifically with children, and so perform specialized tasks including placing sealants on children's teeth, straightening children's teeth, repairing fractured teeth, and/or referring children to orthodontists for braces.

Dentists are licensed to administer anesthetics and prescribe medication for antibiotics, pain killers, and/or other medications necessary to treat dental illness.

The Pediatric Dentist

Most dentists are general practitioners, who handle the dental needs of both children and adults. However, there are nine specializations for dentists including orthodontists (those who apply braces and retainers), oral surgeons (those who operate on the mouth and jaw), periodontists (those who treat gums and bones in the mouth), prosthodondists (those who fit dentures, crowns, and bridges), endodontists (those who preform root canals), public health dentists (those who educate the community on dental care), oral pathologists (those who study oral diseases), and oral maxillofacial radiologists (those who use imaging techniques and x rays to diagnose diseases in the head and neck).

The ninth specialization is pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentists specialize in the care and treatment of children and their dental problems as well as preventative care. In order to become a Pediatric dentist, the candidate must first fulfill all the requirements necessary for becoming a general dentist. Then, additional work experience and/or education or certification may be required.

Undergraduate Education

A bachelors degree from an accredited four year institution is required for admission to dental school. Undergraduates are required to take science courses in order to be granted admission to dental school. Therefore, although there are no set undergraduate majors required to apply to dental school, many students chose to major in biology or chemistry.

Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

Students applying to dental school must also take a Dental Admissions Test (DAT). The DAT tests general academic ability, understanding of scientific concepts and principles, and perceptual ability. Dental schools consider DAT scores, along with GPA and recommendations, when admitting a student.

Dental School

Pediatric dentists must graduate from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Associations (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation. The ADA has accredited 56 dental schools within the United States.

Dental school is generally a four year academic commitment. Students take courses in microbiology, biochemistry, physics and laboratory technique. Students are also required to obtain clinical experience, including lab work and practical work. Students generally work under the supervision of licensed dentists in dental clinics to obtain clinical experience.

After the requirements are met, students obtain the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). These students can now go on to complete a specialty or certification program, or to take part in a residency program to specialize in a particular area. Alternatively students can take a test to become licensed as general practice dentists, upon graduation.

Residency

Some dental school graduates obtain their license immediately after graduating, and purchase a dental practice or open a new practice. These practices are usually general dentistry practices.

Students who wish to specialize in pediatric dentistry, on the other hand, generally join a residency program and/or obtain additional certification or education within the specialty field. The American Association of Pediatric Dentists offers a two year pediatric dentistry residency program, which provides dental school graduates with scientific study and clinical experience.

The residency program gives dentists an opportunity to learn both advanced diagnostic and surgical procedures, and child psychology. Clinical management, child pharmacology, and other specialized topics, including oral pathology, radiology, child development, and special needs care are also taught during the residency program.

Licensing

In most states, all dentists are required to pass a written and practical exam in order to be a general or specialized dentist. There is a National Board of Dental Examinations which satisfies these requirements for most students, or dental school graduates also have the option of taking a regional test within their state.

In 2006, 17 states set forth additional licensing or certification requirements for dentists who intend to practice pediatric dentistry, or other dental specialties. These additional requirements mandate 2 to 4 years of additional educate after dental school and/or a sufficient amount of clinical experience and/or completion of a special state exam.