What is the definition of the dental specialty called pedodontics?

Pedodontics, also known as pediatric dentistry, is defined as the specialty that focuses on the dental care and treatment of infants, children, and adolescents. This field encompasses a wide range of issues related to oral health, development, and behavior management in young patients. The reference to "treatment of birth and mixed dentition" is particularly relevant because mixed dentition refers to the stage where both primary (baby) and permanent (adult) teeth are present in a child's mouth, typically occurring between the ages of 6 and 12. Pediatric dentists are specially trained to handle the unique dental needs and challenges presented during this stage of growth and development.

Understanding this framework helps distinguish pedodontics from other dental specialties. For instance, treating adults is outside the focus of pediatric dentists, and addressing geriatric patients falls under geriatric dentistry. Similarly, while orthodontic issues may be addressed by pediatric dentists, particularly those that focus on children's needs, the primary defining focus of pedodontics is on overall dental care for the younger population during both the early years and when they transition into adolescence.