The practice of pediatric dentistry requires a broad knowledge of dentistry, orthodontics, nutritional sciences, and last but not least, psychology. The goal is to enable our young patients to live with the healthiest teeth possible, and this involves understanding how to embrace the opportunity, challenge, and responsibility of ensuring an ideal start for even the tiniest of our patients. This book presents the fundamentals of pediatric dentistry and explains how to incorporate them into an existing dental practice. Because parents are a crucial part of the equation, particular focus is given to educating and managing parents to be the best advocate for their children's oral health. While the book is a useful reference for everyday practice in terms of examination, diagnostics, and findings, it goes further to include tips on how to create a child-friendly environment, how to communicate with young patients, and how to handle difficult situations with uncooperative patients or parents. The second half of the book is given over to treatment considerations, spanning from preventive treatment like fluorides and sealants to filling and crown therapy. This final chapter also includes sections on antibiotic use, managing trauma, sedation, and other particular challenges in everyday practice. This book is an essential resource for anyone working with kids in dentistry.
