The main difference is training and focus. A pediatric dentist completes additional years of specialty training after dental school to care specifically for children, while a family (general) dentist treats patients of all ages. Both can look after your child’s teeth, but for young children, anxious kids, or those with special needs, a pediatric dentist is often the better fit.
What is a family dentist?
A family or general dentist is licensed to treat patients of every age, from toddlers to grandparents. The main appeal is convenience: the whole household can be seen in one place, and many general dentists are warm and capable with children. For families with older, comfortable kids and no complex dental needs, a family dentist can be a perfectly good choice.
What is a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist starts with the same dental degree as a general dentist, then completes three additional years of specialty training focused entirely on infants, children, teenagers, and patients with special needs. In Canada, this specialty is recognized by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.
That extra training isn’t only about teeth. It covers child behaviour and psychology, growth and development, and how to treat very young or anxious patients gently. It’s the difference between someone who can treat children and someone whose entire practice is built around them.
The key differences at a glance
- Training: general dentists treat all ages; pediatric dentists specialize only in children.
- Environment: a pediatric office is designed for kids, from the waiting room to the pace of each visit.
- Anxiety and behaviour: pediatric dentists are trained in techniques that help nervous children feel safe.
- Growth and development: they monitor how the jaw and bite are developing and catch issues early.
- Complex needs: they’re equipped for sedation and for children with medical or developmental needs.
When should I choose a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist is worth seeking out when your child is very young and just starting dental visits, when they’re anxious or have had a difficult experience before, when they have special healthcare needs, or when they need more involved treatment. Our board-certified pediatric dentists also keep an eye on how teeth and jaws are lining up, which is often where early children’s orthodontics concerns are first noticed, long before braces come up.
Does my child ever switch to a general dentist?
Many children transition to a family or general dentist in their teenage years, once they’re comfortable and their needs are more routine. There’s no fixed cut-off, and some pediatric practices continue seeing patients into adolescence. The right time depends on your child, not the calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Can a family dentist treat my child? Yes. General dentists are trained to treat children and many do it well. A pediatric dentist simply brings added training for young, anxious, or complex patients.
Is a pediatric dentist more expensive than a family dentist? Fees are generally comparable, and pediatric visits are covered by most insurance plans and public programs the same way a general dental visit would be.
At what age should my child first see a pediatric dentist? By their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing, in line with Canadian guidelines.
Book your child’s visit in Toronto
Choosing the right dentist is really about choosing the right fit for your child. At Superkids Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Toronto, our board-certified pediatric dentists care only for children, in a space built just for them here in The Junction. Book an appointment online or call 416-792-1155 to see the difference for yourself.