Dentistry Education Indianapolis, IN | Children Dentistry

Education

Education of families is an integral part of our core values. We take continuing education on a professional level, but also enjoy making sure that our parents and children are educated on what we do and why we do it. Additional training was required for us to specialize in the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and those with special healthcare needs. It is crucial that we received extra training and education because the developing oral cavity and primary (baby) teeth have different risk factors and respond very differently to treatment than do adults and the permanent teeth. Being educated on the risks of cavities, creating good habits from a young age and preventing problems is a key to kid’s dentistry.

Pediatric Dentistry vs General Dentistry

Dr. Wiley was trained in a hospital-based residency program where he treated patients and consulted at Riley Hospital for Children, while also completing the educational requirements of a master’s education. During the two-year residency, proficiency is obtained in nitrous oxide administration, tell-show-do, modeling, behavior modification, distraction, and other necessary skills to treat children. Pediatric dentists also participate in the safe training of advanced behavior management techniques like oral conscious and intravenous sedation, general anesthesia/surgery for full mouth rehabilitation, and emergency care/trauma on the most medically complex children and adults with special healthcare needs in the area. This training makes pedodontists the experts within the field of dentistry in managing children’s anxiety, behavior and development, while working alongside their other healthcare professionals. Our goal is to teach good habits in childhood, but we rely on general dentists and other specialists to treat the adult dentition and maintain oral health for the rest of our patient’s lives.

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Children's Dental Care

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WHAT EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW…

Every parent wants what is best for their children, but many are unaware of just how important of a role oral healthcare plays in their child’s life. The Center for Disease Control indicates that tooth decay (caries, cavities) is the most commonly occurring infectious disease among children worldwide. Overall discomfort from toothaches and loss of tooth function make it difficult for children to focus in school, eat, speak clearly, and engage in normal daily activities. This can lead to more time missed from school and work. Brushing, flossing and attention to diet certainly helps in day to day prevention of cavities, but more often than not, you will need to bring your child to our office at least twice a year for examination. This continuity of care allows us to assess your child’s risk of cavities, address future concerns and perform preventative measure to remove harmful plaque and bacteria that leads to decay, gingivitis and infection.

“You don’t have to floss all of your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!”

Resources To Use At Home

In addition to regular exams and cleanings, it is important for you and/or older siblings to model and teach children good oral hygiene at home. We work with children all day and know how challenging it can be to get them excited about brushing and flossing their teeth. Most would rather run around outside or play video games; activities that they deem as fun. We get it! At Speedway Pediatric Dentistry in Indianapolis, we consider it our responsibility to help change their opinion about oral health and show them that it can be fun and interesting. Our hope is that we can make it something that they want to do, instead of something they are forced to do. We provide an environment full of excitement, distractions and challenges that will stimulate your child’s mind and help them find the desire to take care of their own teeth! Never be afraid to ask for helpful hints or techniques to make oral hygiene and diet fun for the entire family!