Pediatric dentistry was incorporated in 1969 to provide comprehensive dental care to patients under 18yrs of age . It involves dental management, preventive and restorative care. It is specialization which a dentist gets after spending 3 to 4 years after dental school and the pass out is called a Pediatric dentist. Various courses provided are:
HIGHER GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
MASTERS OF SCIENCE PROGRAMME IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
RESIDENCY TRAINING PROGRAMME IN DENTISTRY
MASTERS OF SCIENCE PROGRAMME IN DENTISTRY (INTERNATIONAL)
In the earlier years it was parents used to take their children to their own dentist or sometimes even did not bother about the dental problems of their children with milk teeth. There was and is a misconception of not bothering about any dental disease in children as the milk teeth have to finally fall down. The parents don’t understand that the milk teeth form the base for permanent teeth and development of jaw bones.
The concept of pediatric dentist has come as a surprise to many. Role of a pediatric dentist is very important as it is he who can guide for good oral health from infancy to childhood. In different stages of a child we need guidance for their behavior, dental health, personality development. Good oral health plays a role in positive personality development though at a subconscious level. As parents, we want to give whatever we can to our children, including their beautiful smile. To ensure healthy and beautiful smiles in future we should incorporate healthy oral habits in our children.