Tech, Tricks, and Training: 3 Must-Have Tools for Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric dentistry is a complex field. In addition to the requirements expected of any general dentist, pediatric dentists must also be able to treat developing patients. The dental needs of children from infancy to adolescence range widely and require unique insight to treat them successfully.
To meet those challenges, a pediatric dentist must rely on high-quality tech, a few tricks of the trade, and ongoing training to keep moving their practice forward.
Leverage these tools when treating your littlest patients.
Technology
Pediatric dentistry is one of the most rapidly advancing fields, driven by the need for more preventive dentistry options and an improved patient experience. Both new equipment acquisition and continuing education for pediatric dentists allow practices to offer more treatment options than ever before.
New imaging technologies are among the most prominent developments. As in other specializations, pediatric dentistry has seen significant benefits from the advancement of imaging technology.
More widespread access to 3D-scanning technology has made diagnosing issues and planning treatment much more effective. What was once highly specialized equipment is now available to a broader segment of the market, allowing for earlier cavity detection in children, avoiding the need for more serious interventions.
New anesthetic options are also improving the patient experience for children. This includes the latest single-tooth anesthesia techniques. These deliver a more isolated anesthetic effect, numbing pain in the affected area without numbing the lips or face. This reduces the risk of children inadvertently biting their lips, which is a concern.
Pediatric dentistry is also seeing increased resin use in various treatments. UV-cured resin can be used for chip repair and bonding and can even treat some cavities without the need for drilling. Resin is also used in dental sealants, where a thin layer is applied to the molars to provide several years of powerful cavity protection.
Keeping up with these new technologies and the continuing education for pediatric dentists that goes with them can be challenging but also highly rewarding for any practice looking to provide the best possible care.
Tricks
Dealing with children as your primary patients can be a challenging process. Pediatric dentists rely on a variety of tricks and tips they’ve picked up in their experience to make that process go more smoothly.
Maintaining clear communication is important when dealing with children. A pediatric dentist can improve the patient experience by carefully explaining the steps they’re going to take. Walking a child through the process beforehand can keep them much calmer by avoiding surprises.
For a dentist, many technical terms have become second nature over their years of study and practice. Keeping in mind that children don’t understand these terms is important, so using more informal lay terms is vital to ensure proper communication.
The overall atmosphere is also very important. Pediatric dental offices often have a very distinct look when compared with general dental practices. They’re more clearly catered toward children to try to set them at ease and reduce anxiety.
Training
Continued training is an incredibly important part of delivering the best possible treatment for patients. Development through orthodontics training programs or other courses will expand the number of treatment options a pediatric dentist can provide.
This is particularly important for pediatric dentists who see a wide range of dental needs. By developing through orthodontics training programs, a pediatric dentist can treat mild to moderate orthodontic issues that so many children need as they grow older.
Continuing education for pediatric dentists allows the more specialized treatments that patients require as they develop to be performed under one roof. This improves the patient experience for children because they’re working with a dentist with whom they are familiar with and trust.
Orthodontics training programs also have considerable benefits for the practice. Instead of referring patients away, a dentist can carry out many treatments themselves and add additional revenue streams to their practice.
While continuing education for pediatric dentists can greatly improve the range of treatment options they can offer, they’ll still need to occasionally refer patients to specialists. Complex cases can’t always be handled by pediatric or general dentists, although the majority of cases can be.
Pediatric dentists need to find the right continuing education options for their practice. That way, they can provide more effective and comprehensive care for their patients and ensure they aren’t missing any opportunities to further develop and grow their practice.
Developing the Most Effective Pediatric Dentistry Practice
With orthodontics training programs from Synergy Orthodontic Seminars, you can provide the best care and the widest range of treatment options for your patients. Our courses are a great investment and are formatted to fit the busy schedules of practicing dentists. Contact us today to find out more and to enroll.