A pediatric dentist is someone who has completed two or three additional years of post-doctoral training, beyond the general dentistry degree, in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric dental disease. This training includes special education in child psychology and behavior management, preventive dentistry, advanced restorative dentistry, conscious sedation, hospital dentistry and the treatment of the medically and physically compromised child. The pediatric dentist’s extensive study of physical growth and development is also applied to the interception and treatment of orthodontic problems. The pediatric dentist is the only specialist who is committed to the comprehensive oral health care of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Because of this specialized training, the pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet the needs of this age group by providing different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, managing their dental treatment needs, and helping them avoid future dental problems. Just as parents choose a pediatrician for their child’s medical needs, many parents wisely choose a pediatric dentist for their child’s dental needs. Dr. Buccino is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics – the same organization of which your child’s pediatrician is a member.