Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry is dedicated to the care of young patients.  Children of all ages through 18 years are typical patients. Some dentists specialize in pediatric dentistry by going to school for an additional 2 years.  They can choose to be certified Pedodontists or just focus on peiododontic dental care.  It is the doctor's choice.

General Dentist vs Pedodontist

If a general dentist is geared to handling children, not only will that facilitate care, but it also increase the bond of trust with the parent, if they are also patients in the practice. Most difficult child patients that require techniques outside the expertise of the gneral dentist will usually be referred to the specialist.  Otherwise the  child can be adequately treated by the general practitioner.  All the emotional, educational, nutritional needs of the child can be handled appropriately.  It is primarily determined by the attitudes of the doctor and his/her staff.  Understanding the fears and needs of the child, and handling them appropriately is the single most important trait to have.

Coordinated treatment with orthodontists and oral surgeons (primary/adult) tooth extractions is as vital with the general dentist as it is with the specialist.

Dr Prus will care for almost all the children that come to his office.

There are numerous questions and answers on pedontic dental care in the following section.