A kid at the dental clinic

Pediatric Dentist vs Family Dentist

You know a family dentist helps people of all ages, so you may be wondering, why does my child need to see a pediatric dentist? At Happy Trails Children Dentistry, we believe knowledge is power! We are here to give you the scoop on the difference between the two and how to help you decide what’s best for your kids and family!

What’s The Difference? 

While both are experts in oral health, Pediatric Dentists take an additional two to three years of formal education to specialize in treating children. These extra years teach a variety of different skills, including helping children feel relaxed, their behaviours, and special oral health needs. A pediatric dental clinic can achieve this through the activities they offer in the waiting room and small, kid-friendly dental tools! At Happy Trails, we not only have friendly staff but loving, interactive animal characters to help give your child a fun experience!

The Canadian Dental Association recommends you take your child for their first assessment within six months of their first tooth erupting. At this stage, Dr. Sam can evaluate if there are any ways to improve at-home dental cleaning and assess for any current or future problems!

What’s Best For My Child?

Ultimately, the decision is up to you! Both are experts in what they do, and you can feel confident in the hands of either dentist. Lifestyle, number of kids, and specific needs can all be different factors in your decision. While family dentists are great because they can treat all members of the family, some children experience anxiety and are scared of having their teeth assessed in a foreign place. A pediatric dentist could be just what they need, as making kids feel comfortable is just one of their special skills! It’s important for kids to see the same face to feel comfortable. Dr. Sam is a single dedicated dentist who has a passion for helping little ones! Find her educational videos on Instagram to learn more, and to see her warm, inviting personality for yourself!

Calgary Born And Raised!

Dr. Sam and our dedicated staff would love to meet you and your kids! We are passionate about making your child feel at home when they visit our practice. Our clinic offers preventative dentistry, oral health exams and emergency dental care. We welcome children with special health needs and take pride in creating a welcoming environment for every child! Call us at 587-576-KIDS (5437) to book your consultation.