Our Pediatric Dental Standards at KidSmiles of Lake Conroe
At KidSmiles of Lake Conroe, our goal is to provide the best care possible to our patients. From the first exam to the cleaning and anything else that follows, we want our patients to have the best and keep smiling. One of the ways we aim to do this is by following the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry or the AAPD. So, let’s talk a little about what that means exactly.
Who is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry?
The AAPD, formed in 1947, is the professional membership organization for pediatric dentistry. One of its purposes is to advocate for children’s oral health by promoting evidence-based policies and guidelines that pediatric dentists can use to provide excellent patient care. It also provides educational resources for patients, parents, and dental professionals.
Who is the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry?
There is another group that sounds almost the same but slightly different. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) is an organization sponsored by the AAPD that oversees the board certification status of pediatric dentists. Board certification is given only to dentists who have completed a residency in pediatric dentistry and have also successfully passed both a written and oral examination. To pass these exams, pediatric dentists must prove they have a comprehensive understanding of AAPD guidelines and the ability to apply them to their patients. Pediatric dentists must complete continuing education courses each year to maintain board certification.
How do these guidelines affect KidSmiles Pediatric dentistry?
At KidSmiles of Lake Conroe, all our doctors are board-certified and understand the guidelines established by the AAPD. We use this understanding in our clinical decisions and when discussing different treatment options for our patients. Sometimes, other ways exist to help our patients with their oral health. Following the AAPD guidelines allows us to discuss the pros and cons of various treatment options so that all our patients and parents can be a part of the decision-making process and feel comfortable with whatever options they choose.
We want the best for our patients, so we aim to be the best by maintaining our AAPD membership and board certification for all our doctors.