When you are choosing a dentist for your child, you may come across terms such as “pediatric dentist,” “specialist,” and “board certified.” These credentials can sound similar, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.
Understanding the difference can help you compare dentists more confidently and know what questions to ask about your child’s care.
At Pedodontic Associates, we have cared for Hawaii families since 1977. Our pediatric dentists have completed specialty training focused on children’s oral health. Some members of our team have also earned board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
In this guide, we explain what those credentials mean and how they can fit into your decision when choosing a pediatric dentist.
What Makes Someone a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist first completes dental school and then continues into advanced specialty education focused on caring for infants, children, and adolescents.
That additional training covers the dental and developmental needs that are specific to younger patients. Pediatric dentists also receive training related to communicating with children, guiding behavior during appointments, and managing dental needs as a child grows.
If you are comparing dentists, one useful place to start is the provider’s education and pediatric residency training. You can meet our pediatric dentists and review their individual backgrounds.
What Does Board Certification Mean?
Board certification is an additional professional credential. It is separate from completing pediatric specialty training.
The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, or ABPD, requires candidates for certification to meet education and licensing requirements and successfully complete its Qualifying Examination and Oral Clinical Examination.
A pediatric dentist who completes the certification process becomes a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Board certification can therefore provide parents with additional information about a dentist’s professional credentials. It is one factor you may consider when reviewing a provider, but it is not the only one.
Are All Pediatric Dentists Board Certified?
No.
A dentist can complete an accredited pediatric dentistry residency and practice as a pediatric dentist without holding ABPD board certification. Board certification is a separate credential that eligible pediatric dentists may choose to pursue.
This distinction is important when you are researching a practice. It is better to review each dentist’s individual background rather than assume that every pediatric dentist at the same office holds identical credentials.
Our Meet the Dentists page provides information about our doctors’ education and pediatric residency training, along with board-certification information where applicable.
Does Board Certification Automatically Mean a Dentist Is the Right Fit?
Not necessarily.
Credentials can tell you about professional training, but choosing a pediatric dentist also involves your child’s needs and how your family feels about the practice.
Consider questions such as:
- Does the dentist have pediatric specialty training?
- What ages does the dentist routinely treat?
- How does the team work with children who feel nervous about dental care?
- Are recommendations explained clearly to parents?
- Does the practice provide the type of pediatric care your child may need?
- Does the location and appointment schedule work for your family?
Board certification can be part of your evaluation, but your decision may also depend on communication, pediatric experience, available services, and how comfortable your child feels with the dental team.
Why Pediatric-Specific Training Matters
Children’s dental needs change as they grow.
The goals of an infant’s first appointment are different from the needs of a school-age child with a cavity or a teenager who needs a sports mouth guard. Pediatric dentists receive specialty education focused on caring for patients through these stages of development.
At Pedodontic Associates, our pediatric dental services include preventive and restorative care along with guidance for common pediatric oral health concerns.
If you are preparing for your baby’s first appointment, our guide to seeing a pediatric dentist by age one explains why early dental care is recommended.
Parents who want to know what an appointment may be like can also read our guide to what to expect during a pediatric dental visit.
What Do Other Hawaii Parents Say About Their Experience?
Credentials help you understand a dentist’s professional background. Hearing from other parents can provide a different kind of perspective on what it may feel like to visit a practice.
Patient reviews can be especially useful when you are wondering how a dental team communicates with children, responds to nervous patients, or helps parents understand their child’s care.
The experiences of individual families will vary, but reviews can give you additional context as you decide whether a practice feels like the right fit for your child.
Read Maritess C.‘s review of Pedodontic Associates – Pearlridge on Yelp
Read Celine C.‘s review of Pedodontic Associates – Pearlridge on Yelp
Read Tianne R.‘s review of Pedodontic Associates – Maui on Yelp
Questions to Ask When Reviewing a Pediatric Dentist’s Credentials
You do not need to become an expert in dental credentials before choosing a practice. A few straightforward questions can help you understand a provider’s background.
Consider asking:
- Where did the dentist complete pediatric specialty training?
- Is the dentist board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry?
- What age groups does the practice routinely care for?
- How does the team approach dental anxiety?
- What pediatric services are available if your child needs additional treatment?
A pediatric dental practice should be able to explain its doctors’ credentials clearly without relying on vague claims or suggesting that one credential alone determines the quality of care.
Choosing Pediatric Dental Care in Hawaii
Specialty training and board certification provide different information about a pediatric dentist’s professional background. Understanding that distinction can help you evaluate credentials without assuming that every pediatric dentist follows the same professional path.
At Pedodontic Associates, we have served Hawaii families since 1977. We currently see patients at our Pearlridge office in Aiea, our Kahala office in Honolulu, and our Maui office in Kahului.
You can explore our office locations to find the office that works best for your family, or contact our team when you are ready to schedule an appointment.