An Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) plays an important role in a dental office, preparing duties that include patient, chair and administrative work. Each EFDA is required to have state and radiology certifications, in addition to meeting the necessary guidelines to work in this field. Their responsibilities may include, preparing treatment rooms before procedures, reviewing dental records, ensuring each patient is comfortable and taking and developing x-rays. An EFDA may also provide technical assistance to the pediatric dentist, such as applying anesthesia or pain medication during a cavity filling.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
Who is Children’s Dental Health?
Children’s Dental Health is a leading, regional provider of pediatric dental services. Our dentists and dental staff are knowledgeable, passionate, and specially trained to provide the best dental care possible to every child, including those with special needs. We strive to make children feel calm and comfortable during their visit with the dentist. We also provide a fun atmosphere where children can play and be entertained by video games and movies before being seen by the dentist.
Why choose a pediatric dentist vs. a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating the unique needs of children. A pediatric dentist has completed an additional two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school. He/she specifically treats the oral health needs of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs. Pediatric dentists are skilled at using smaller equipment designed for a child’s mouth and better understand the intricacies and importance of baby teeth in a growing child. They also focus more attention on educating patients and parents about preventive care to help children avoid complications such as decay, infection, speech problems, and cosmetic issues. Furthermore, Children’s Dental Health completes a detailed risk assessment on each patient so it can provide additional support and services to the children who need it the most.
How often should my child see a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children start seeing a dentist every six months, by their first birthday or once their first tooth emerges.
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
It is important to remember that oral health affects more than the health of your teeth. Cavities in baby teeth cause pain and swelling that can be tremendously uncomfortable for your child. Oral infections can enter the blood stream and lead to other serious health problems. Bacteria can quickly ‘jump’ from one part of the mouth to another, thus resulting in infections and cavities in new erupting adult teeth.
DMD vs. DDS: What’s the difference?
There is absolutely no difference between a DMD and a DDS degree in the United States. According to the American Dental Association: “The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degree. They are awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a general dentist. The majority of dental schools award the DDS degree; however, some award a DMD degree. The education and degrees are, in substance, the same.”