Pediatric Dentist vs General Dentist: How to Choose for Your Child

When it is time for a child’s first dental visit, many parents wonder whether to book a pediatric dentist or bring the child to the family’s own general dentist. Both are licensed dentists who can provide care for children. The differences lie in additional training, the office environment and the kinds of cases each typically handles. This guide lays out the differences so you can pick what fits your child.

What is a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentistry is one of the dental specialties recognized by the ADA’s National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards, which describes it as an age-defined specialty providing primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. Pediatric dentists complete dental school and then additional specialty training focused on children.

In practical terms, pediatric offices are built around kids: smaller equipment, child-friendly rooms, and staff used to managing fear, short attention spans and the behavior of very young patients. Many also have experience with children who have developmental, medical or sensory needs.

What is a general dentist?

A general dentist provides care for patients of all ages. Many general dentists see children routinely, and some describe themselves as “family dentists.” Training in children’s care is part of dental school, and some general dentists pursue additional continuing education. A general dentist may refer a child to a pediatric dentist for complex treatment, significant anxiety, or special needs.

When should a child first see a dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that a child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than the first birthday. Early visits are mostly about prevention: checking how teeth are coming in, looking for early decay, and coaching parents on brushing, diet and fluoride. They also help children get used to the dental office before any treatment is needed.

Side-by-side: how they compare

Training

Pediatric dentists have specialty training beyond dental school focused on children. General dentists are trained to treat all ages.

Patient focus

Pediatric practices see only children and teens (age limits vary by office). General practices see everyone, which can be convenient for scheduling the whole family together.

Complex cases

Children with extensive decay, special health care needs, or treatment that may involve sedation are often referred to pediatric dentists. Ask any office how it handles these situations.

Continuity

With a general dentist, a child can stay with the same practice into adulthood. With a pediatric dentist, there will be a transition to an adult practice at some point, usually in the teen years.

Cost and coverage

Fees and insurance participation vary by office, not just by specialty. Check whether each option accepts your plan. Children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP have dental benefits (Medicaid.gov), and InsureKidsNow.gov has a locator for dentists who see children and accept those programs.

How to decide

A pediatric dentist may be the better choice if:

Your child is very young, very anxious, or has had a difficult dental experience.
Your child has special health care, developmental or sensory needs.
Your child already has significant decay or may need treatment under sedation.

A general (family) dentist may be the better choice if:

You want the whole family seen at one practice, with coordinated appointments.
Your child is comfortable with dental visits and has routine needs.
The nearest pediatric dentist is far away or does not accept your coverage.

Either way, you can switch later if the fit is not right.

Questions to ask either type of office

From what age do you see children, and is there an upper age limit?
Can a parent stay in the room during the exam?
How do you help nervous children? (Our dental anxiety tips include ideas for kids.)
Do you offer sealants and fluoride varnish, and how often do you recommend checkups?
How do you handle after-hours dental injuries? See our dental emergency guide.
When would you refer my child to a specialist, such as an orthodontist?

Preparing your child for the first visit

Keep the explanation simple and positive: the dentist will count and look at their teeth. Avoid words like “hurt” or “shot.” Schedule the appointment at a time of day when your child is usually rested, and bring a comfort item if allowed. Our guide on what to expect at a first visit is written for adults but covers the paperwork and records you will want to bring.

Finding a dentist for your child

You can browse dentists by state and city in our directory, then call to ask whether the office sees young children. If orthodontic questions come up later, our article on clear aligners vs. braces may help.

Frequently asked questions

At what age should my child first see a dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit when the first tooth appears, or no later than the first birthday.

Is a pediatric dentist better than a general dentist for kids?

Not automatically. Pediatric dentists have extra training focused on children, which can help with young, anxious or medically complex patients, while many general dentists also care for children well.

Until what age can my child see a pediatric dentist?

Age limits vary by practice. Many pediatric offices see patients into the teen years and then help them transition to an adult dentist.

Does Medicaid cover my child's dental visits?

Children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP have dental benefits. Use the InsureKidsNow.gov Dentist Locator to find a participating dentist.

Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels

Sources

By the Dentists Reviews Editorial Team.

This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.

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