FREE FOR THE FIRST 60 REGISTRANTS WITH CODE EHS2025 AT CHECKOUT.This comprehensive, 2-hour course introduces general dentists to the fundamentals of pediatric dentistry for children ages 1–3. The session emphasizes establishing a dental home, understanding growth and development, identifying early childhood caries (ECC), providing preventive care, and managing behavior in young patients.
Participants will gain confidence in examining, diagnosing, and treating toddlers while fostering positive experiences for both child and parent.
The lecture draws from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Reference Manual, current evidence-based literature, and clinical best practices to support general dentists in managing early pediatric visits safely and effectively.
Objectives- Describe the importance and timing of the first dental visit and the concept of the dental home.
- Recognize the stages of oral and craniofacial development in infants and toddlers.
- Identify normal and abnormal oral findings, including developmental anomalies and neonatal oral lesions.
- Explain the etiology, risk factors, and management of Early Childhood Caries (ECC)
- Provide evidence-based dietary and oral hygiene counseling for parents and caregivers
- Discuss the role of fluoride in caries prevention, including supplements, varnish, and safety considerations.
- Perform appropriate behavior guidance techniques suitable for children under 3 years of age.
- Recognize the indications for antibiotic use, common pediatric dental medications, and dosing considerations.
- Manage trauma and dental emergencies in primary teeth and know when to refer.
- Identify operative treatment options that general dentists can safely perform for young children.
- Differentiate cases that require referral to a pediatric dental specialist.
- Communicate effectively with parents to address concerns about fluoride, diet, and behavioral expectations.
- Apply AAPD guidelines to create individualized preventive and recall schedules for toddlers.
This course was created in partnership with
Release Date: 11/21/2025
New York State Dental Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying
quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or
endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE Provider may be directed to the provider or to the ADA CERP at www.ada.org/cerp
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