People have always been fascinated by teeth and the science involved in fixing them. For over 5000 years, dentistry has been practiced in one way or another. However, pediatric dentistry specifically for children is a relatively new concept.
To celebrate over a century of progress, it may be time to look back on how it all began. Keep reading to learn the history of pediatric dentistry.
The Early Days and Minnie Evangeline Jordon
The story of pediatric dentistry begins in 1909 when Minnie Evangeline Jordon, a dentist trained in Berkeley, opened her dental practice in Los Angeles California. At first, it was a general practice like all others, but she soon narrowed its scope to only serving children. She was the very first pediatric dentist and owned the first child-only clinic.
Official Recognition and Development
Thanks largely to Minnie’s efforts, the pediatric dentistry specialty was officially recognized by the American Dental Association in 1940. After recognition, the US saw a spike of nearly 50 percent in the number of children going to the dentist at least once a year.
By 1960, the federal government established The Pediatric Dentistry Training Program. This program would go on to train hundreds of dentists to focus on the specific needs of children and spread the practice.
Pediatric Dentistry at the Turn of the Century
In September of 1990, the Department of Health and Human Services released “Healthy People 2000,” a comprehensive social healthcare strategy to try to improve the quality of health by the turn of the century. Five years later, the American Dental Association approved comprehensive treatment plans for pediatric dentistry.
Modern Day Pediatric Dentistry
Since the late 1990s, pediatric dentistry has grown by leaps and bounds. Many employer insurance plans now offer services for patients aged 19 and younger. This means that young people across the country can get the care they need, and their families can better afford it. Unsurprisingly, 86 percent of children now visit their dentist at least once a year.
As pediatric dentistry celebrates all that came before, it’s also important to look ahead to the future. Pediatric dentistry is a vital part of children’s healthcare that will only continue to grow. If you want to continue the story, take your child to see a pediatric dentist. Their specialized care can make all the difference in the life of a little one.
About the Practice
At G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Cory and Dr. Nicole are your friendly neighborhood dental team. They pride themselves on their frown-free approach to dentistry, affording their small patients comfort and understanding. They use gentle dental technology and modern techniques to ensure that your tiny tyke leaves with a smile. Call (630) 778-9500 to schedule an appointment or visit the website to explore the services they offer.
