Pediatric Dentist Salary

Tooth problems are one of the most aggravated forms of health problems, faced by kids in the recent years. Well, the reason behind this is improper dental care! Kids are not that aware of tooth care, as much as adults and therefore they tend to ignore it and as a consequence face tooth problems. In some children the problem is so serious, the only option their parents are left with is visiting a pediatric dentist!

Now, who is a pediatric dentist? You must have got an idea of it, however, let me define it in a detailed manner. A pediatric dentist is an expert dealing with dental problems faced by teens, young children and very young kids. The core job a pediatric dentist is to diagnose the problem and suggest treatment measures over it. This also includes providing tips on better dental care.

Job Description

Pediatric dentist is the head of his department and therefore, apart from treating dental problems in children, he has to perform many duties and tasks. Some of them are mentioned below.

• The most important job is to carry out an overall check up of the patient's teeth and then try to identify the problems through diagnostic procedures and generating X-rays.
• It is not that every time there is a problem with the patient's teeth, some of them come to clean their teeth. Therefore, in such cases, the pediatric dentist has to clean their teeth and suggest some measures for maintaining good dental health.
• Filling cavities, placing bridges and dentures and pulling out damaged and irreparable teeth also form an important part of the pediatric dentist job description.
• Preparing case documents and preserving medical records associated with patient history, treatment measures, etc. for future references.
• Work on tooth care developmental plans, in order to render a good level of patient care.
• Using specialized lab equipment and taking proper care by maintaining and repairing them, whenever necessary.
• If employed in a health care organization, then going out for kids dental check up campaigns is also an important duty of the pediatric dentist.
• Communicating and counseling in an effective manner to the child and his parents about the problem and inculcate the importance of regular tooth care.
• Managing day-to-day appointments and looking after administrative work in the office.

Educational Requirements

Pediatric dentistry is a specialized branch and therefore requires expert training on the subject. The first step is to successfully complete the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) and then seek admission in a dental school. Before entering the specialized field of pediatric dentistry, you need to complete a four-year program in general dentistry from a reputed college or university and earn a degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). The next step is to pursue continuing education into pediatric dentistry from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This should be done to maintain the license of working as a pediatric dentist and also keep self updated on the latest trends and advanced dental procedures. Pediatric dentistry includes training and education on child psychology, craniofacial anomalies in children, child development, dealing and caring for children needing special care and attention, child-related pharmacology and detailed study of oral diseases and problems in children. To obtain a license, it is necessary to pass the state board examination.

Average Salary

The salary range depends upon the location, size of the employer, volume of practice, knowledge and experience. However, the average salary of a pediatric dentist in the United States is around USD 135,000 - USD 140, 000 annually. Oregon so far is the highest payer for pediatric dentists with an average salary around, USD 200,000 - USD 215,000. While they are paid around USD 180,000 in Virginia and around USD 165,000 - USD 170,000 in Wisconsin! Moreover, the career opportunities in this field also are excellent, as there are many health care organizations and hospital job openings estimated in the near future.

Towards the end of this discussion on pediatric dentist salary, I would like to say that a job or career in pediatric dentistry is not an easy one! It requires a special understanding towards child psychology and a knack of dealing with children. So if you are really interested and think you have everything in you, then just follow your heart!!!