You might assume that a qualified dentist is a qualified dentist, right? But why do qualifications matter in pediatric dentistry? When you’re searching for a dentist for your child, you want someone who is dedicated to working specifically with kids. Someone who is not just skilled at working on their teeth, but who also gets how they think, how they communicate, and what makes them feel safe and comfortable in the dental chair.
As you’ve been searching Google for the right children’s dentist, you may have noticed that some mention that they’re board certified. What does that actually mean? And more importantly, how does it benefit your little one?
In this blog, you’ll learn more about:
- The meaning of board certification
- How pediatric dentists provide specialized care
- The difference between pediatric dentists and general dentists
Let’s break down what all of this means and why it makes a difference when finding a dentist for your child.
What Does “Board Certified Pediatric Dentist” Mean?
A board certified pediatric dentist has completed extra years of specialized training beyond dental school. They’ve also taken and passed a set of comprehensive exams administered by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). A dentist who has completed these steps earns the title “Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.”
All pediatric dentists complete a residency training after dental school, but board certification is voluntary and more involved. Board certification shows that the dentist has mastered the field and undergone a dual-examination process that validates their specialized knowledge, clinical skills, and problem-solving abilities in relation to treating children. More than 75% of pediatric dentists now pursue this distinction, making it the new standard for children’s dentists.
The Path to Becoming Board Certified
After the standard four years of undergraduate schooling and four years of dental school, pediatric dentists also enter a two to three-year residency program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. These programs are meant exclusively for dentists to focus on children’s dental needs, from infants through teenagers.
During their residency, a dentist studies several aspects related to working with children:
- Child psychology, growth, and development
- Behavior management techniques
- How to work with and treat children with special healthcare needs
This training provides a foundation for the board certification process.
Rigorous Examinations and Continuing Education
The ABPD certification process includes two separate examinations that have to be completed within seven years of a dentist concluding their residency training program. First, the dentist undergoes a qualifying examination. This exam involves a long multiple-choice test administered over four hours. The test is meant to assess specialized pediatric dentistry knowledge, clinical reasoning, communication skills related to children and their parents, and safety practices for pediatric dentists.
After a dentist passes the qualifying exam, they can register for the oral clinical examination. This exam consists of two one-hour sessions with different examiners who present the dentist with clinical scenarios for discussion. The pediatric dentist candidate must demonstrate that they have evidence-based knowledge of all currently accepted therapies for all types of pediatric patients.
A board certified pediatric dentist must maintain their certification through yearly requirements, along with completing a renewal of certification exam every ten years. This means that a board certified pediatric dentist is continually learning and staying current in their field of practice.
How Board Certification Benefits Your Child
This is the heart of the matter. Children are not simply small adults. Their teeth, jaws, and facial structures grow and change constantly and dramatically compared to adult mouths. They require specialized care at every stage of development.
Board certified pediatric dentists have studied and understood these developmental milestones inside and out. They know when baby teeth should fall out, how to make sure that permanent teeth grow into their proper positions, and how to spot possible problems early on, before they become severe.
Perhaps just as importantly, they are good at making dental visits a positive experience for children. This is so important for creating a lifelong foundation for good oral health. A child who has a bad experience at the dentist may become avoidant as they grow older, and therefore fail to get their dental needs taken care of.
Expertise in Treating Complex or Special Needs Cases
Some children live with unique dental challenges. This might involve developmental conditions, medical issues that affect oral health, or behavioral needs that require their dentist to take a specialized approach to their care.
Board certified pediatric dentists train extensively in treating children with special healthcare needs. Many of these specialists have hospital privileges where they work with patients requiring higher levels of medical support and who also need dental care. This experience means they’re prepared to handle even complex pediatric dental scenarios.
Focus on Preventive and Long-Term Dental Health
Pediatric dentists generally place an emphasis on prevention, teaching children and their parents or caretakers how to protect little teeth from cavities, injury, and disease, as this is a solid foundation for lifelong oral health.
They explain how to brush properly, talk to children about how food impacts their teeth, and create individualized prevention plans that involve the whole family. Such an approach to children’s dental care can save families time, money, and stress down the road while creating healthy habits that hopefully last a lifetime.
Board Certified vs. General Dentist: Key Differences
There are many wonderful general dentists who treat children. At the same time, board certified pediatric dentists have dedicated their professional lives to working with and treating children. This gives them a deeper expertise for this specific population.
General dentists complete four years of dental school after obtaining an undergraduate degree. Pediatric dentists go through another two to three years of residency while focusing solely on working with children. They’ve spent the extra time dedicated to working with this specific population. The board certification process adds another layer of voluntary examinations that validate their skills.
Meet Dr. Katie Matthews: A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist in Wilmington, DE
Dr. Katie Matthews brings impressive credentials to the practice of Bruce E. Matthews, DDS. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Villanova University and her Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the Temple University School of Dentistry. Dr. Katie completed her post-graduate residency in Pediatric and Special Needs Dentistry at Temple University Hospital before pursuing board certification.
She also serves as an attending dentist at the Christiana Care Hospital in Wilmington and maintains active memberships in many organizations, including the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Delaware State Dental Society. She leads Delaware’s Head Start Dental Home Initiative State Team and serves on the Delaware Oral Health Coalition’s Access Committee.
A Personalized, Compassionate Approach for Every Family
Dr. Katie’s philosophy of pediatric dental care is centered on her patients’ comfort and staying current with the latest advances in pediatric dentistry. She always starts by listening, really listening, to you and your child’s concerns.
After a complete examination, she explains her findings in clear language and discusses all available treatment options. She welcomes parents to stay with their children during examinations and treatment visits, knowing that children feel more comfortable when their parents are nearby.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit with Bruce E. Matthews, DDS
Your child deserves exceptional dental care from a provider who truly understands their needs. Dr. Katie Matthews' board certification, extensive training, and compassionate approach make her an excellent choice for families in Wilmington and the surrounding areas.
Whether your child is approaching their first dental visit, needs routine preventive care, or treatment for a more complex issue, you can trust Dr. Katie’s expertise and gentle touch.
Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact our office at (302) 475-9220. We’re looking forward to meeting you and your family!