Oklahoma City Pediatric Dentistry
Over the past 34 years, Dr. Michael Fling has established himself as leading provider of pediatric dentistry in Oklahoma City and the surrounding communities. While most dentists refer their pediatric cases, OKC Dental Arts is equipped to treat your child’s dental issues directly in our office. By specializing in pedodontics, we can provide a true “family” practice where we address the dental needs of your entire family in our Oklahoma City office location.
Pediatric dentistry (formerly Pedodontics/Paedodontics) primarily focuses on children from birth through adolescence. The American Dental Association (ADA), recognizes pediatric dentistry as a specialty, and therefore requires dentists to undertake two or three years of additional training after completing a general dentistry degree. At the end of this training, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry issues a unique diploma (Diplomate ABPD). Some pediatric dentists (pedodontists) opt to specialize in oral care for children with special needs, specifically children with autism, varying levels of mental retardation, or cerebral palsy.
One of the most important components of pediatric dentistry is child psychology. Pediatric dentists are trained to create a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children, and always avoid threatening words like “drill,” “needle,” and “injection.” Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences and find their “dental home” as early as possible.
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