In order to avoid a fear of dentists in life, parents and guardians need to start young. They need to take their children at an early age to visit the dentist. At this early age, a family dentist may be able to fulfill this role, but the better choice is a specialist – a pediatric dentist. In Cabot AR, the route to holding this certification involves a commitment to higher learning and an understanding of the specific requirements of children’s dental and emotional needs.
Initial Education
Pediatric dentists are also known as pedodontists. They are dental professionals who have taken their education and training one step further than a general dentist has. Though both start out along the same path, a pediatric dentist decides to specialize in children and, therefore, further his/her dental education in this direction. In the beginning, all potential dentists enroll in university/college. Over the next four years, they study hard and leave upon obtaining a four-year degree. Although this degree can be in any area, it is usually considered advantageous if the focus is on the sciences. This includes such subjects as anatomy, chemistry, biology and microbiology.
Schooling does not end here. They must next attend a recognized and accredited dental school. For the next four years, students study from textbooks and perform practical work. The latter includes both in-school labs and supervised dental care on patients in dental offices.
Becoming a Pediatric Dentist
Upon successful completion of the course, the graduates – either Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctors of Dental Medicine (DMD), after passing a dental examination may start or join a practice. They may also decide to further their education. Those who do so may decide to attend and complete a residency program for two years. After this, they may become certified by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) as a pediatric dentist specialist in American cities, including Cabot AR.
