Pediatric Dentistry FAQs

A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) plays an important role in a dental office, preparing duties that include patient, chair and administrative work. Each is required to have state and radiology certifications, in addition to meeting the necessary guidelines to work in this field.  Their responsibilities may include, preparing treatment rooms before procedures, reviewing dental records, ensuring each patient is comfortable and taking and developing x-rays. An RDA may also provide technical assistance to the pediatric dentist, such as applying anesthesia or pain medication during a cavity filling.

Dentistry for Children is a leading provider of pediatric dental services to the central New Jersey community. Our pediatric dentists and highly-trained professional staff are trustworthy, passionate about what they do, and are dedicated to providing only the finest pediatric dental care possible for every child they see—regardless of need. It is our priority that our patients and their parents and caregivers enjoy their time with us. Whether it be through our fun, engaging offices, our caring and gentle approach to dental treatments, or through our dedication to educating as well as healing, we do all we can to make sure you and your child feels safe, confident, and comfortable.

Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating the unique needs of children. A pediatric dentist has completed an additional two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school. He/she specifically treats the oral health needs of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs. Pediatric dentists are skilled at using smaller equipment designed for a child’s mouth and better understand the intricacies and importance of baby teeth in a growing child. They also focus more attention on educating patients and parents about preventive care to help children avoid complications such as decay, infection, speech problems, and cosmetic issues. Furthermore, we complete a detailed risk assessment on each patient so it can provide additional support and services to the children who need it the most.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children start seeing a dentist every six months, by their first birthday or once their first tooth emerges.

Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.

It is important to remember that oral health affects more than the health of your teeth. Cavities in baby teeth cause pain and swelling that can be tremendously uncomfortable for your child. Oral infections can enter the blood stream and lead to other serious health problems. Bacteria can quickly ‘jump’ from one part of the mouth to another, thus resulting in infections and cavities in new erupting adult teeth.

There is absolutely no difference between a DMD and a DDS degree in the United States. According to the American Dental Association: “The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degree. They are awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a general dentist. The majority of dental schools award the DDS degree; however, some award a DMD degree. The education and degrees are, in substance, the same.”