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Pedodontist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewA pedodontist specializes in pediatric dentistry and focuses their practice on children from birth until they have gone through their teenage years. The pedodontist has specialized training in both child development and treatment of children’s teeth and dental health. Pedodontists are also trained to work with children with special health, mental health and other conditions to work with the treatment team to provide the best possible overall healthcare.
The pedodontist usually works in either private practice or public or government agencies. The pedodontist works with parents to help them understand the importance of dental hygiene, nutrition and regular visits to keep children’s teeth healthy both as they are growing and into adulthood.
The pedodontist may refer children out to other specialists if they note any conditions or possible problems either of a genetic or disease related basis. In addition the pedodontist performs all aspects of dentistry including tooth extractions, treatment of cavities and diseases, as well as cleaning and preventative health.
A pedodontist usually works as part of a treatment team, especially for those patients that have chronic health conditions or mental health diagnosis. The pedodontist works closely with the pediatrician to ensure that all treatments fit into the plan developed by the team. The pedodontist also involves the parents as much as possible in the treatment and includes them in the decision making process for the child, adolescent or older handicapped individual.
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Career RequirementsA pedodontist requires the same training as any other dentist that includes either a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine, as well as a specialization of pediatric dentistry. This specialization can be either 24 months or three years, depending on the program. The completion of the specialization can result in a PhD, a Master of Science in Pedodontics or a certificate, depending on the course of study.
An individual interested in pedodontist will focus their internship or practicum on working with children in a clinical setting. In addition they will take additional education on child development and may also complete other educational components on working with special needs children and adults.
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Job OutlookAll areas of dentistry continue to see an average increase in the number of jobs available according to the United States Department of Labor. Since this field often includes fairly frequent visits and ongoing care there are usually options to move into the field, as referrals tend to be good from other dentists.
For pedodontists that have training or experience working with adults with special needs there are options to work with hospitals and long-term care facilities.
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Career TrackPedodontists usually work in private practice either by starting their own practice after completion of the specialization or taking over an existing practice from a retiring pedodontist. The options to work in research facilities and government programs also exist.
Many pedodontists with extensive experience return to dental schools to act as program instructors, coordinators, or supervisors of pedodontic clinics for student practice.
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CompensationThe average pedodontist in private practice earns between $135,000 and $185,000 per year. With additional specialization or large practices this salary can exceed $200,000 per year.
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