{"id":222,"date":"2021-05-19T00:50:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-19T00:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dixhillsdentist.com\/blog\/?p=222"},"modified":"2021-06-19T00:50:50","modified_gmt":"2021-06-19T00:50:50","slug":"history-pediatric-dentist-dix-hills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dixhillsdentist.com\/blog\/2021\/05\/19\/history-pediatric-dentist-dix-hills\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover the History of Pediatric Dentistry"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HappyYour child\u2019s pediatric dentist in Dix Hills is your trusted source for issues relating to their dental health. You feel confident in the decisions you\u2019re making for their teeth and gums because you have the guidance of a dentist who specializes in the health and development of young smiles. Did you know there weren\u2019t always pediatric dentists<\/a>? Here\u2019s how it became a specialized form of dentistry to nurture growing smiles.<\/p>\n

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When Did Pediatric Dentistry Emerge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Historians have found evidence of past civilizations having an interest in dentistry. There are texts dating to 500 B.C., which mention treatments for decayed or diseased oral tissues. Over the centuries, dental care has transformed significantly. One of the changes along the way was the foundation for pediatric dentistry.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1913, an American dentist opened the first oral hygiene school in the world, which sent women to local educational facilities to clean children\u2019s teeth. This opened the door to the development of pediatric dentistry. During this same time, a dentist in Los Angeles, CA opened a dental practice just for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t until the 1940s the American Dental Association recognized pediatric dentistry as a specialty. With their support, there was about a 50% increase in children visiting a dentist after just 1-year. The success led to The Pediatric Dentistry Training Program to increase the number of dentists capable of treating children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the late 1990s, the Secretary of Health and Human Services announced in a national report the connection between a child\u2019s oral health and general health. This allowed for more comprehensive coverage for children, including infants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Pediatric Dentist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A pediatric dentist is a professional who has dedicated their training and career to providing oral health services for infants through their teen years. Although your child will lose their primary teeth, they still have unique requirements as their adult teeth erupt. Without dental care, children can have possible oral decay or diseases that can cause lifelong complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To treat the specific issues relating to children\u2019s oral health needs, a pediatric dentist must complete 4 years of dental school and 2 additional years of training in a residency program catering to infants, children, and teens. They provide a scope of dentistry that includes many services, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n