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Dentistry/which dentist

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Expert: - 12/10/2009


Question
my daughter is 5 year old. she is about to loose her first tooth ( front lower -i can see the replacement just start to grow). she never been to a dentist and I wonder if I can take her to my regular dentist or I should look for special for children one?

Answer
Most general dentists have had limited training in the treatment and management of children and some general dentists are much better than others in that regard.  You should understand that children's dental needs are special and very different from those of adults.
Pediatric Dentists are specialists who have had additional training and extensive experience in the treatment and management of children.  In our office we see many youngsters who have had previously unpleasant experiences under the care of a general dentist and some of those children have had inappropriate dental care as well.  Some general dentists recognize their limitations in the treatment of children and routinely refer their children patients to our office for regular care and routine examinations.
Perhaps you should discuss this with your regular dentist before you make a decision.  Of course, that decision is entirely up to you.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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