Is my child's dentist board certified? A Parent’s Guide to Board Certification

As parents, we research everything: the best stroller, the safest car seat, even which snacks are least likely to end up crushed in the backseat. But when it comes to our children's health care providers—especially their dentist—there's one question many of us forget to ask:

Is my child's dentist board certified?

If that's not on your radar yet, you're not alone. But it's a small detail that can make a big difference—for your child's comfort, safety, and long-term health.

Is my child's dentist board certified?

A board-certified pediatric dentist is a specialist who has gone above and beyond the basic requirements of dental licensure. After dental school, they complete an additional two to three years of training focused exclusively on children's oral health. Then, they go through a rigorous examination process with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) to demonstrate their knowledge and skill.

But here's the real difference: Board certification isn't a one-time thing.

Pediatric dentists who earn this credential—called Diplomates—commit to lifelong learning. They complete annual training and take ongoing assessments to stay up to date with the latest, evidence-based practices. That means they're continually investing in the safest, most advanced care for kids.

Why It Matters to You (and Your Child)

At Once Upon a Tooth, we care for kids of all ages and needs—busy toddlers, curious preschoolers, cautious teens, and everything in between. Some kids love the dentist. Others? Not so much. And that's okay.

Board-certified pediatric dentists are trained not only in oral health, but in child development, behavior, communication, and the emotional needs of growing children. That's what allows them to provide care that's not just clinically excellent, but also calming, kid-friendly, and personalized.

Dr. Lisneida Arjona (aka Dr. Lis) is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a mom herself. She brings compassion and clinical expertise to every child she treats—creating a space where families feel seen, supported, and safe.

Why This Matters Now

If you've ever found yourself scrolling reviews at midnight trying to pick the "best" pediatric dentist, you're not alone. Today, any practice can have a slick website, polished photos, and great branding—but that doesn't always tell the whole story.

We're living in an age where credentials matter more than ever. Parents are becoming more health-literate, more informed, and more empowered to ask good questions. And that's a good thing.

Board certification is one of the few credentials that can't be bought or faked. It reflects a dentist's commitment to going deeper: studying longer, training harder, and holding themselves to the highest professional standard—all to better serve your child.

The ABPD even provides a simple tool to verify whether your child's dentist is board certified. You can visit abpd.org to search and confirm.

Think of it like fact-checking for your child's healthcare—and a small step that brings big peace of mind.

How Board-Certified Dentists Make a Difference

1. Specialized Expertise in Children's Unique Needs

Board-certified pediatric dentists understand that children aren't just small adults. Their training covers pediatric-specific conditions, growth and development patterns, and age-appropriate treatments that general dentists may not be familiar with. This specialized knowledge enables them to spot potential issues early and implement preventive measures that can save your child from more extensive treatments later. Learn more about preventive dental care for children.

2. Child-Friendly Communication and Behavior Management

One of the biggest challenges in pediatric dentistry is managing dental anxiety. Board-certified pediatric dentists receive extensive training in behavior management techniques that help make dental visits positive experiences. Whether your child is naturally anxious or has special healthcare needs, these specialists know how to adapt their approach to ensure comfort and build trust. Discover strategies for easing your child's dental anxiety.

3. Focus on Long-Term Oral Health

Board-certified pediatric dentists take a comprehensive approach to your child's oral health, considering how current treatments will affect their development throughout childhood and into adulthood. This long-term perspective ensures that decisions made today support optimal oral health outcomes for years to come.

4. Commitment to Continuing Education

The field of dentistry is constantly evolving with new research, techniques, and materials. Board-certified pediatric dentists commit to ongoing education, ensuring they stay current with the latest evidence-based practices. This means your child benefits from the most up-to-date and effective treatments available.

Parent Tip: How to Know If Your Pediatric Dentist Is Board Certified

Use this checklist to help guide your search:

✅ Check their website or bio for the phrase "Board Certified" or "Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry"

✅ Ask the office directly—most are happy to explain credentials

✅ Visit abpd.org to use the ABPD verification tool

✅ Look for signs of continuing education and specialty pediatric training

✅ Ask how they approach care for children with anxiety or special healthcare needs

Preparing for your child's first dental visit? Get our complete guide for parents.

A Note from Dr. Lis

Being board certified isn't just about letters after your name—it's about living out a promise to do what's best for children. As a mom and pediatric dentist, I believe that every child deserves compassionate, expert care in a place where they feel safe and respected.

At Once Upon a Tooth, we're committed to creating that space for every family who walks through our doors—whether it's your baby's first tooth, your toddler's first cleaning, or your teenager's last check-up before college.

The Bottom Line

When you choose a board-certified pediatric dentist, you're not just picking a provider—you're choosing peace of mind. You're choosing someone who understands not just kids' teeth, but kids themselves. Someone trained in evidence-based techniques, behavior guidance, prevention, and age-appropriate care.

Because little smiles deserve big care—and parents deserve to feel confident every step of the way.

Ready to schedule an appointment with a board-certified pediatric dentist? Contact Once Upon a Tooth today to give your child the specialized care they deserve. 📅 Book an appointment today at our Eastchester office, and let's work together to help your child thrive—one bite at a time. 🦷🍎

Once Upon a Tooth is located in Eastchester, NY, providing pediatric dental services to children of all ages from Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Bronxville, Mt. Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers, and surrounding communities.