Pediatric dentists receive an additional two to three years of specialty training following dental school to ensure your child receives the best care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have a dental examinations by their first birthday. Your child may be evaluated then, allowing for an individualized preventative program to be planned. As a practice, OC Smile strives to provide “dental health care” vs. “disease care”. Most dental problems may be resolved easier if detected early. Prevention is the best form of treatment, and an early start to good dental habits eliminates problems before they begin.