According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, "Pediatric dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs."

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To become a Pediatric Dentist, one must complete a minimum of 24 months of additional advanced education and training to obtain additional education and skills beyond a DDS degree. 

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Pediatric dentists adapt their skills and knowledge to tailor to the needs of infants, children, adolescents and those with special health care needs. This specialty includes advanced behavior guidance techniques, care of patients with a variety of medical conditions, monitoring of orofacial growth and development, preventing and treating caries, sedation techniques, pharmacological management, and treatment of dental emergencies.