What is a Pediatric Dentist
In Ontario, a pediatric dentist (sometimes written as “paediatric” dentist or “pedodontist”) is a licensed dentist who has completed at least 2 years of additional training after dental school AND holds a pediatric dental license from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). The RCDSO is responsible for credentialing and licensing all dentists holding general or specialty titles. The RCDSO credentialing process ensures that the training of the dentist is consistent with the standards outlined by the organization.
The extra training required for pediatric dentistry is a residency program where the dentists limit their practice to the treatment of children of all abilities. Throughout the pediatric residency, dentists learn about advanced behaviour management, pediatric growth and development, special health care needs, and childhood pathologies. At the end of the program, pediatric dentists are awarded a certificate. Some residency programs in pediatric dentistry may also offer a master’s degree.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a “certified pediatric dentist”?
There is no difference between a pediatric dentist and a certified pediatric dentist. The two are interchangeable because all practitioners permitted to designate themselves as pediatric dentists have passed the Canadian specialist exam and are certified by the RCDSO. In Ontario, only pediatric dentists with appropriate credentials will be able to provide sedation to young children (<13 years old), and advanced levels of sedation such as moderate sedation. Providers who are able to administer sedatives has a certificate registered with RCDSO. A few common descriptors that practices will use because they cannot call their dentists pediatric specialists include: “kids dentist”, a dentist whose practice is “limited to children”, “pediatric focused dentists”, “dentist with years of experience treating children”.
Can general dentists see children?
Yes! All dentists have experience treating children in school, and some general dentists actually prefer to treat children! In contrast, there are some dentists who prefer NOT to treat children.
How will I know if my dentist is a specialist?
Some practices will list pediatric dentistry in their description BUT not pediatric dentist. Only specialists can call themselves a pediatric dentist in Ontario. All dentists licensed in Ontario must prominently display their current certificate to practice AND have their credentials publicly listed on the RCDSO registry. You can search for your dentist on the registry here: https://www.rcdso.org/en-ca/find-a-dentist