From the age of one, it is recommended to take baby to the dentist. You fear his reaction in front of this impressive doctor? Did you know there is an alternative to general dentists?
These are pediatric dentists or pediatric dentists (a more commonly used term) who are specialists in the dental he alth of children from birth to adolescence.
The pediatric dentist has been specially trained to look after the dental he alth of children, that is to say that in addition to his training as a "generalist" dentist, he adds a pediatric specialization. It is for this reason that he is in the best position to monitor the growth and development of teeth, both preventively (sealants, bad habits) and curatively (caries, malocclusion, trauma).
He especially knows how to approach the child and how to make even the most recalcitrant cooperate! Over the course of the meetings, he builds a relationship of trust with your child who will become less and less fearful of this “dental doctor”. Of course, there are very good general practitioners who have a good approach with children and that's good, since the wait is often long before you can see apediatric dentist of which there are few (about fifty in Quebec).
Covered or not?
The care of a pediatric dentist is covered - in the same way as a general dentist - by the Quebec he alth insurance plan. For a list of services and conditions, consult the RAMQ website.
Medicare covers children under 10 only
Orthodontics, periodontics, apectomy, crowns made of precious metals, crowns made of non-prefabricated aesthetic material, cosmetic oral surgery, implantation of submucosal prostheses and dental prostheses (except acrylic) are not covered by RAMQ.
To obtain insured services, you must simply present your valid he alth insurance card.
Few resources?
The faculties of dentistry at the University of Montreal, McGill University and Laval University have dental clinics that offer services for the whole family at lower costs than private practices. Care is given by dental students under the supervision of teachers. However, these clinics do not offer emergency services. You must make an appointment in advance. You should also know that there is a selection for certain types of treatment.
To find one of these specialists, consult the list of pediatric dentists on the website of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec.
