Pediatric Dentist

Summary of the Role

The Pediatric Dentist provides dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. Performs evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, injuries and malformations of teeth, periodontal tissues and other related oral structures and their impact on the body. Performs general dental hygiene and periodontal treatment and provides patient dental education. Performs dental restorations, crowns, root canal therapy, oral surgery and periodontal therapy with or without the aid of nitrous oxide, oral sedation and general anesthesia. Supervises and guides dental auxiliaries and front office personnel with performing their duties.

Areas of Responsibility

• Patient Care:
  • Providing patient care and managing immediate staff such as assistants and patient care coordinator.
    • Infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for caries in mother and child.
      • Preventive dental care including cleaning and fluoride treatments, as well as nutrition and diet recommendations.
        • Habit counseling (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking).
          • Early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite (orthodontics).
            • Repair of tooth cavities or defects.
              • Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever, and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.
                • Management of gum disease and conditions including ulcers, short frenulae, mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease.
                  • Care for dental injuries (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth).
                    • Counsels and advises patients and family on growth and development dental problems of patient.