Blog

Does your previous dentist say he can see everyone, but in reality, his dental care just doesn’t quite translate well to children? Is he less patient with your young ones or not quite as knowledgeable as you hoped? Unfortunately, not all dentists can meet the demands certain patients have, and children are no exception. Of course, if you see a pediatric dentist in Dallas that’s board-certified, there’s more to get excited about.

To learn how your dentist takes the extra initiative to provide quality care, keep reading.

What Does Board-Certified Mean?

Board-certification simply means your dentist took the extra steps to prove to a board of experts they are committed, knowledgeable, and experienced in their unique field of study. Whether the field is endodontics, orthodontics, or in this case pediatrics, more dentists across the country are becoming board-certified.

On top of an additional two years of schooling required in dental school, dentists need to:

Provide verification of credentials (i.e. passing voluntary exams)
Have a high level of dedication in their field
Stay committed to continuing their education (board-certifications require annual renewals)
While becoming board-certified is purely voluntary, you can expect many benefits that you won’t find with dentists who don’t have certification.

How Does This Help My Child?

Currently, less than 38 percent of all pediatric dentists are board-certified. When your dentist has the specialized training and clinical experience, she’s more capable of providing expert care to all young patients, including infants, toddlers, children, and teens. Going to a dentist with this level of laser-focused care will make the overall experience for your child better. This includes children who have difficulty visiting the dentist or who require special needs to receive treatment.

Furthermore, a board-certified dentist is gentler, patient, and better equipped to treat younger patients. Paying close attention to your child’s oral development is key to ensuring they have a healthy smile later in life. If they receive care from a dentist they know they can trust, their relationship with dentists overall should improve, making future visits (either with parents or on their own) easier to complete.

What Else Can I Expect from Board-Certified Dentists?

Dentists who are board-certified are usually more customer-oriented than typical dentists because they’re always striving to bring the best care possible to patients. This means they’re more likely to accommodate your schedule by:

• Being open more days than a typical dentist
• Open during more hours
• Having multiple locations
• Offering multiple services your children can benefit from

When picking a children’s dentist in Dallas, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than board-certified. This way, you know your family is getting the most updated and effective dental care possible. Schedule an appointment to experience the difference today!

About the Author
After earning her DDS degree, Dr. Merila Atarodi went on to teach pediatric dentistry to dental students and pediatric dental students at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Today, she’s a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. To learn more about her practice and expertise, contact your pediatric dentist in Dallas through her website.