Pediatric dentistry is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the oral health and unique needs of young people. After completing a four-year dental school curriculum, two to three additional years of rigorous training is required to become a pediatric dentist. This specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric dentists to meet the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including persons with special health care needs.

Establishing treatment with a pediatric dentist provides the opportunity to implement preventive dental health habits that keep a child free from dental/oral disease. The focus is on prevention, early detection and treatment of dental diseases.