Pediatric Dentistry Definition

Question 1

Pediatric Dentistry definition

Answer 1

► Pediatric Dentistry is defined as “the branch of dentistry that involves teaching, research, preventive and therapeutic oral health care of children from birth through adolescence”

Question 2

Definition of a child

Answer 2

The United Nations (UN) Convention definition of a child as “every human being below the age of
18 years

Question 3

Children are different from adults in a number of ways:

Answer 3

1. Children are individuals in growth and development stage
2. Physical (they are small)- they look at adults as giants.
3. Psychological
4. Social
5. Cognitive 6. Emotional

Question 4

The fundamental philosophy of treating patients and not the tooth, implies that:

Answer 4

► 1. Commitment to the child feelings

► 2. Gain the child confidence and cooperation

► 3. Treat the child in a kind manner( sympathetic manner) and

► 4. To be concerned not only with provision of current treatment , but promoting child future dental health by stimulating positive attitude and behaviour toward dental care.

Question 5

The child’s first visit

Answer 5

► 1. The child first visit should be organized in such a way that it is enjoyable

► 2. Its should allow for mutual assessment, the child to asses the Dentist and environment and the Dentist
assessing the child.

► 3. If the Child first visit is due to Acute Pain the ideal procedure may be altered but the principles of first visit protocols should not be ignored

► 4. The child first visit should be at the age of 2.5 or 3years.

► Parents should have received Dental preventive care during Pre- Natal and Post- Nata visits or if they have visited
a Dentist, However it is important to advice parents about diet, oral hygiene and use of Fluoride.
► Parents should be encouraged to introduce the Child to the Dentist at early age ( even if they don’t have Dental problem)so that the child is used to the Dentist and Dental environment to avoid fear.

Question 6

PREPARATION OF THE CHILD FOR THE FIRST VISIT

Answer 6

1. Inform the child about the visit in the morning or the day before
2. Don’t tell him what will be done of promise Him/ Her presents if she/he behave well with the Dentist
3. Keep the conversation simple and casual the Dentist will count your teeth and help you to take care of them.

Question 7

THE AIM OF THE FIRST VISIT OF THE CHILD TO THE DENTIST

Answer 7

► 1. Establish good communication with the child and the parent.
► 2. Obtain Important background information ,( i.e., Patients social, Dental and Medical History)
► 3. To examine the child and obtain Radiography if required
► 4. To introduce the child to simple treatment procedures.
► 5. To explain treatment aims to the child and the parent.
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