You’ve probably seen the phrase on a website or on a certificate in the waiting room. But what is a board certified pediatric dentist, and does it matter for your child? Here’s what the title means, how a dentist earns it, and how you can check.
What Does “Board Certified Pediatric Dentist” Mean?
A board certified pediatric dentist is a children’s dental specialist who has passed a voluntary set of exams from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). A dentist who passes is called a Diplomate of the ABPD.
It is an extra step. It goes beyond the license every dentist needs, and beyond the specialty training every pediatric dentist completes.
The ABPD is the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. It is the only certifying board for pediatric dentistry. It is recognized by the American Dental Association’s National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards.
Pediatric Dentist vs. General Dentist: What’s the Difference?
- General dentist: four years of dental school (a DDS or DMD degree). Treats patients of all ages.
- Pediatric dentist: dental school plus a two- to three-year residency focused on infants, children, teens, and patients with special health care needs.
- Board certified specialist: all of the above, plus passing the ABPD’s written and oral exams.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry describes pediatric dentists as the pediatricians of dentistry.
4 Steps to Earning Board Certification
- Graduate from dental school.
- Complete an accredited pediatric dentistry residency. This is two to three more years of training with children only.
- Pass the Qualifying Examination. This is a written test of 240 multiple-choice questions.
- Pass the Oral Clinical Examination. Examiners present clinical cases, and the dentist explains how they would diagnose and treat each one.
The examination process checks more than book knowledge. It tests how a dentist plans dental care and makes patient care choices in real cases.
After that, a Diplomate must renew their ABPD certification to keep it active. Renewal includes ongoing education each year.
Why Specialty Training Matters for Kids
Children are not small adults. Their teeth, jaws, and feelings about the dentist change quickly as they grow.
During residency, a pediatric dentist learns how to:
- Care for baby teeth and growing permanent teeth.
- Help anxious children feel calm and in control.
- Use sedation safely when a child needs it.
- Treat children with special health care needs.
Is Board Certification Required?
No. Board certification is voluntary. A pediatric dentist can care for children after finishing residency and meeting state licensing rules.
Many excellent children’s dentists are not board certified. It is one sign of training and commitment. Experience, how the dentist connects with your child, and how the office answers your questions matter too.
How to Check if a Pediatric Dentist Is Board Certified
- Look for “Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry” in the doctor’s bio.
- Ask the office. A good team is happy to tell you.
- Use the ABPD’s online search tool.
Our Board Certified Doctors in Shreveport and Bossier City
At Pediatric Dental Partners, three of our doctors are board certified by the ABPD:
Our five doctors see patients at both offices, and every doctor on our team cares only for infants, kids, and teens. You can meet our doctors before your first visit.
Questions to Ask When You Choose a Dentist for Your Child
- Did the dentist complete a pediatric dentistry residency?
- Is the dentist board certified?
- How does the office help nervous kids feel safe?
- Can I stay with my child during the visit?
- What happens if my child has a dental emergency?
For more on what sets a children’s dental office apart, see why families choose us.
Find a Children’s Dentist Near You in Shreveport or Bossier City
We have cared for kids in Shreveport and Bossier City for 50 years. Call our Shreveport office at (318) 865-2250 or our Bossier City office at (318) 747-7020.
Ready to book? Visit our pediatric dentist office in Shreveport or our pediatric dentist office in Bossier City.
