Every year, millions of people living in the United States refuse to seek dental examinations for one, simple reason — an extreme fear that was often established early in life. For many of these people, the first interaction they had with oral health was losing a tooth or that first trip to the dentist. The highly trained and exceptionally patient professionals whose duty is to work with child patients are known as pediatric dentists. For those who have aspirations of learning how to become a pediatric dentist, the career and educational path can be tricky and difficult to navigate.
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist, or a pedodontist, is a dental professional who specializes in the treatment of young patients. A pediatric dentist is a licensed DDS or DDM who has completed specialized residency training, as administered by the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry. These specialists focus on treating child patients (typically infants to early teen years) in a comfortable and often reassuring method, to ensure the patients are as comfortable as possible during their routine or emergency dental visits.
A pediatric dentist is specially trained to understand the biological development of teeth from birth to puberty and have focused techniques that permit them to provide detailed services that guide youthful patients to have strong oral health habits. Some of the duties of pediatric dentists include:
In order to become a pediatric dentist specialist, a qualified candidate must first graduate from dental school, pass their dental certification examinations, complete a two year residency program, and become a board-certified specialist of pediatric dentistry. This certification is overseen by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) and is available in all 50 US States. According to the CDA, there are currently 70 active pediatric dental programs that area offered through dental hospitals, major universities, and other dental schools. Beyond learning about pediatric dental treatments, these specialists also must be certified in ancillary medical treatments, including:
After becoming a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, most pediatric dentists become active members of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. There are currently in excess of 7,000 members in the United States.
Understanding the Educational Path to Becoming a Pediatric Dentist
The educational path of becoming a pediatric dentist begins by receiving a bachelor degree from an accredited university. After this, a candidate must successfully gain entrance and complete four years of dentistry education to receive their DDS or DDM degree. The specialist training involved in becoming a pediatric dentist includes a two year residency program, followed by receiving board certification through practical, oral, and written examinations, administered by the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry.
The Educational Steps for Becoming a Pediatric Dentist
First - Receive a Bachelor Degree
The first step in becoming a pediatric dentist is receiving a bachelor degree. Typically the general focus of studies of any dentist includes primary education, such as biological sciences, including biology, physiology, chemistry, physics, and human anatomy. It's also suggested that any potential pediatric dentist complete core studies in child development, psychology, and business studies; especially if the pediatric dentist desires to open a private practice.
Pediatric dentists are also advised to gain practical training working with children, such as volunteering for research projects involving child-related illness, and diagnosis of diseases and medical conditions impacting children. This period is also a good time for future pediatric dentists to work as interns at existing pediatric dental offices — to gain first-hand experience about working with children.
Second – Graduate from Dental School
The next step in the educational path is to become a licensed DDS or DDM. This is completed at Dental College. During the first two years, dental students will focus on learning dental sciences and procedures in a laboratory setting. Years three and four are structured in such a way as will allow dental students to begin to explore clinical exercises in groups, where they learn how to diagnose and treat adult patients under the direct supervision of licensed dentists. After they have expertly completed the dental school examinations, they will become a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry).
Dental school also provides basic education about dental education for child patients. However, in order to become a specialist, additional training is required.
Third – Become a Licensed, DDS / DMD
The National Board Dental Examinations, as administered through the American Dental Association, must be completed and passed in order for a dental college graduate to become a licensed dentist. There are two parts to this exam:
All US States have specific requirements to become licensed, and often require dentists to continue their education in order to maintain their licensing through attending educational classes or seminars.
Fourth – Complete Residency Training
The AAPD monitors and approves the 70-plus official pediatric dentistry residency training programs that are available in all US States. This program lasts two years in length and begins directly after graduation from dental school, and passing of the NDBE.
The intent of this residency program is to immerse qualified candidates into specific studies and clinical experience in pediatric dentistry. Some of the specific areas of study in the pediatric dental residency include:
Once the residency program has been completed, a qualified candidate will then receive board certification. This certification examination consists of practical, oral, and written phases, and when successfully passed, permits the candidate to become a Diplomate of Pediatric Dentistry.
Understanding the Career Path of a Pediatric Dentist
The career options for Pediatric Dentists are rather extensive. As there are currently 7,000-plus members of the Pediatric Dental Association in the United States, the field is rather competitive. However, as older dentists consider retirement, there will always be a need for qualified Diplomats of Pediatric Dentistry to fill those spots.
Typically, the career options for Pediatric Dentists fall into three areas:
Once a pediatric dentist begins to practice, they typically make a decision earlier in their career which path they intend to follow.
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that dental careers should increase by at least 20 percent before the year 2020. This is due to several reasons:
Average Salary of a Pediatric Dentist
In 2011, the Bureau of Labor Statistics completed a study that asked several pediatric dentists to disclose their annual salary. The report concluded that the average salary of a dental specialist in pediatric dentistry approached $168,000 per year. However, many factors impact the average salary for dentists in general, including:
When you look at the expanding roll of health care in the United States, and the inclusion of new regulations providing health care coverage to more patients, the growth potential for pediatric dentists is exceptional. This profession is one that not only requires advanced medical training, but extreme compassion, a positive and upbeat attitude, and an understanding of children and their fears. When a dentist can successfully combine these skill sets into their overall portfolio, they can become a very successful pediatric dentist.
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