What difference is there between adult and pediatric dentists? around here, pediatric dentists seem to charge more than adult dentists is there a reason for that?

Pediatric : Pediatric dentists are dentists who have limited their practice to the treatment of children and adolescents. They have additional training and education, above and beyond their dental school training to help them deal with the dental problems facing children. Fees vary from office to office and region to region, so it is difficult to make a comparison for you. In general, however, specialist fees are slightly higher than generalist fees, reflecting the additional experience and education. Hope this info helps.

Adult : Adult and pediatric dentists undergo the same 4 year dental training. Pediatric dentists do an additional two years of training specifically managing pediatric patients. The are taught how to manage the patient, dealing with mixed dentition (both baby and adult teeth erupting into the mouth) and some minor orthodontic techniques. Though some adult dentists cater to pediatric patients in their practices, pediatric dentists limit their patient population to children and young teenagers. Their offices are are designed for this patient population. You should schedule the first dental visit to a pediatric dentist when you child's first teeth show up. This allows the child to develop a comfort level receiving dental exams and care.

I : I think everyone had great answers. I would just add that pediatric dentist do their two year additional training in a hospital or university based program. Every program has different strengths and most pediatric dentists learn to treat children under general anesthesia, conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. During the two year training there is a strong emphasis on growth and developement, behavioral management techniques, and working with special needs patients. Any speciality in dentistry generally you will see slightly higher fees.

Specialist: Dentists have 4 years of professional training after college. Pediatric dental specialists have an additional 2+ years (5, 000 hours) of additional full time residency training, over and above their dental school training, in children's dental care. Then they limit their practice to just that specialty. All md's have pediatric training in med school, but need a residency to become a pediatrician.