What is a Pediatric Dentist?

When it comes to dental care for your kids, you want to make the best choices you can. One of the first decisions to lock down? Choosing the right dentist. For your kids, a pediatric dentist, also known as a dentist for kids or kids' dentist, is a great way to go. Why? Because a pediatric dentist like Dr. Parker or Dr. Sana specializes in children's unique oral health care needs — from infancy through the teen years. 



But what exactly is a pediatric dentist, and how is their training and services different from those of a general dentist? The Park Dentistry for Kids team is all about educating our patients, so let’s dive into the ins and outs of pediatric dentistry. We’ll also talk about why selecting a pediatric dentist can make a big difference in your child's dental health as they grow.

Let’s start by answering, “What is a pediatric dentist?” Simply put, a pediatric dentist has completed specialized training in pediatric dentistry. How long does it take to become a pediatric dentist? Pediatric dentist training is a residency that takes an extra 2-3 years on top of general dental school and a bachelor’s degree. So, in total, it typically takes about 10-11 years of education and training to become a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty — one of 12 recognized by the American Dental Association, like orthodontics or dental anesthesiology.

Training to become a pediatric dentist equips a dentist to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental issues in children whose teeth and oral structures are constantly changing and developing, unlike adults. But it goes beyond just teeth health; a dentist for kids like Dr. Parker or Dr. Sana is also an expert in managing the behavioral aspects of children while in the dentist's chair. 



At Park Dentistry for Kids, our pediatric dentists have training and expertise in techniques that create a safe and comfortable space for young patients, including those with dental anxiety or special needs.

Pediatric dentist residency involves training and clinical practice in areas like:

• Child psychology and development
• Behavior management
• Oral pathology
• Radiology
• Conscious sedation and general anesthesia
• Oral and facial trauma
• Pharmacology

After completing their pediatric dentistry residency, pediatric dentists may choose to become board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). Both Dr. Parker and Dr. Sana have taken this extra step of board certification. It’s an achievement that involves a comprehensive written and oral examination, demonstrating expertise and commitment to the highest standards of pediatric dental care.

Dr. Parker’s dedication to pediatric dentistry is further highlighted by her role as the current president of the Houston Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. All that said, you can feel confident that when you bring your kids to Park Dentistry for Kids, you’re under the care of one of the best pediatric dentists for kids in Houston, TX.

Now that you know what makes a pediatric dentist a dentist for kids, you may wonder what the difference is between a pediatric dentist vs. a general dentist. As we talked about earlier, pediatric dentists have specialized training and experience tailored to children's needs in addition to general dentistry training. On the other hand, a general dentist provides dental care for patients of all ages but doesn’t have a pediatric dentistry specialization. A general dentist may sometimes refer children with specific needs to a pediatric dentist.

With such a range of ages and stages in pediatric dentistry — from babies with their first primary tooth to teens with all their adult teeth — it makes sense that Dr. Parker and Dr. Sana offer a comprehensive range of dental care for kids. At our comfortable and fun office, we offer preventative pediatric dentistry like:



• Dental exams and cleanings
• Cavity prevention and dental sealants
• Special needs dental care
• Mouthguards

And cosmetic and restorative dental treatments for kids like:

• Fillings
• Crowns
• Tooth extractions

At Park Dentistry for Kids, we’re all about balancing the best pediatric dental care with your child's comfort. With a fun, compassionate, and nurturing environment, we strive to be the best dentist for kids in Houston, ensuring every visit is a positive experience for our young patients and their adults.



Give us a shout to set up your child’s first appointment with us at our Houston pediatric dental office.