When you search for a dentist for your child, you will encounter terms like “family dentist,” “children’s dentist,” and “pediatric dentist.” These are not interchangeable — and within the category of pediatric dentists, board certification signals an additional level of training and demonstrated expertise that is worth understanding.
What is a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who has completed dental school and then gone on to complete an additional two to three years of full-time specialty residency training focused exclusively on the oral health of children — from infants through teenagers, including those with special health care needs. This post-graduate training covers child development, behavior management, sedation, treating children with medical complexities, and the specific dental conditions common in growing mouths.
A general dentist or “family dentist” may see children in their practice, but has not completed this specialty training. The distinction matters most for complex cases, anxious children, children with special needs, and very young patients.
What does board certification add?
Completing a pediatric dental residency qualifies a dentist to call themselves a pediatric dentist — but board certification goes one step further. To become a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), a pediatric dentist must:
- Submit detailed case documentation demonstrating clinical competency across a wide range of pediatric cases
- Pass a rigorous written examination covering pediatric dental science, child development, and clinical practice
- Pass an oral clinical examination reviewed by a panel of examining diplomates
Board certification is voluntary — many excellent pediatric dentists practice without it. But it represents a public commitment to a higher standard of demonstrated clinical expertise, and a willingness to be evaluated against national benchmarks.
Who are the board-certified pediatric dentists at PDOS?
At Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Salem, both Dr. Adam Wolff and Dr. Gabriella Marti are Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Wolff has been a cornerstone of the practice since 2002 and has spent over two decades building relationships with Salem-area families. Dr. Marti joined the practice in 2025, bringing a fresh perspective and a gentle chairside manner that puts even the most nervous young patients at ease.
Dr. Tofool Alghanem, our orthodontist, holds board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics — the orthodontic equivalent of the same standard.
What should I look for when choosing a pediatric dentist?
Beyond credentials, a few practical things matter:
- Does the dentist specialize exclusively in children, or is it a general practice that also sees kids?
- Is the office environment designed with children in mind — from the waiting room to the treatment chairs?
- How does the team handle anxious or resistant children? What behavior management and sedation options are available?
- Does the practice have experience with children who have special needs or medical complexities?
If you are looking for a board-certified pediatric dentist in Salem, NH or the surrounding southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts area, we welcome you to come meet our team. Request an appointment →