Dr. Bryan Randolph is a practicing Children’s dentist at the Tooth Station in Folsom, CA.  A graduate of Loma Linda University school of Dentistry, he went on to start his children’s dental practice in 1999. Here Dr. Randolph explains how to find the right dentist for young children.

I am a children’s dentist. I have restricted my practice to the care of young patients. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) that children receive their first dental evaluation six months after the first tooth erupts into the mouth or about the average age of 1. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the first dental exam at around age two. Most of my patients are seen the first time between the ages of two and three.  By 2 ½ most boys and girls have gotten all their baby teeth in and are ready for a visit to our office to ensure that there aren’t any major problems and parents can be reassured that growth and development appears to be within the normal range.

Sometimes if a parent senses that something in his child’s mouth is strange or odd, then he should make an appointment with us sooner to get that checked out. Some examples might be dark or discolored teeth and swollen gums. If something like that is developing, then you should come see us immediately to rule out any major dental problem.  But if there are no apparent issues and development seems normal, then waiting until 2 1/2 to take your child to his or her first appointment shouldn’t be a problem for most families.

Children’s dentists serve a number of purposes, but they are largely there to ensure that everything is going smoothly in the development of your child’s teeth. Additionally, we can offer a number of preventative treatments that children can get while they are young to help protect their smiles and develop healthy bites. Visiting our office is the best way to find out which of these treatments are right for your child. This includes fluoride treatments (which are common these days), sealants and other preventative measures.

One other major benefits of bringing your child into see Dr. Randolph starting at around 2 1/2 is to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with going to the dentist. Children who start visiting us at a young age are more likely to be comfortable having someone checking out their teeth, when they are older.  Later in life, seeing the dentist becomes something that is just not a deal for them. So they are much less likely to grow up with the instilled fear of going to the dentist.

At the other end of the spectrum, the ages at which a child goes from our office to a family dentist with the rest of the family will vary. I know some kids who continue seeing their pediatric dentist well into their late teens—even waiting until going off to college before switching dentists. Most commonly, when kids are about 15 years old they feel comfortable changing to their parent’s family dentist.

A Scientist

More than just a dentist, Dr. Randolph is also a true scientist. Dr. Randolph completed a Master of Science program in pharmacology. Pharmacology is one of the basic sciences. Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their source of origin, their nature and properties along with the body’s physiologic response. The Master of Science program requires that one learn how to read, interpret and write scientific literature and perform experimentation acceptable to the scientific community.

Dr. Randolph specifically focused his studies on pain management through medication. His research work has been published in the Journal of Anesthesia Progress, the official Journal of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology of which he is a long time member. There are probably less than a hundred dentists worldwide who have received this type and level of training, and this places him in a truly exclusive group of practitioners.

This specific training and education has proven invaluable to his practice of dentistry. Parents are very concerned about the welfare and well-being of their child. With Dr. Randolph’s pain management background your child will be safe and comfortable during any dental treatment.

A Humanitarian

Dr. Randolph has volunteered and practiced in Africa to help children with Dental care who have been devastated by famine and mal-nutrition.

Family Background

Dr. Randolph is married to Martina Randolph a local family physician who practices in Folsom. Martina and Bryan have a two year old son named Christian

Interests

Working in the yard and traveling. We love to visit new places – especially of historical significance.

Dr. Bryan Randolph is a member of the following professional organizations.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). The Professional Organization Representing Pediatric dentist in the United States. He has published an article in the Journal of Dentistry for Children, an official publication of the AAPD.

American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. This organization represents dentists who are interested in pain and anxiety management in dentistry, along with a dentist that performs sedation and general anesthesia as a service to patients. Dr. Randolph has published a scientific article dealing with pain medication in Anesthesia Progress, the official peer – reviewed journal of the ASDA. Dr. Randolph also has the education required to provide sedation services in office.

International Association for Orthodontics. The largest, non-specialty orthodontic organization. Dr. Randolph has taken many hours of orthodontic educational classes recognized by this organization to keep up to date on the latest advances in orthodontic procedures.

American Orthodontic Society. An organization providing orthodontic education to pediatric and general dentists. Dr. Randolph has taken numerous classes sponsored by this organization to continue his orthodontic education.

Academy of Sports Dentistry. This organization represents dentists who practice preventative sports dentistry along with treatment of dental trauma seen as a result of sport injuries. Dr. Randolph has attended educational classes in  dental traumatology, including attending lectures given by worlds leading traumatologiest, Dr. Andreasen of Copenhagen, Denmark.

International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). Is the leading organization responsible for developing guidelines for the treatment of dental trauma.  Dr. Randolph has attended educational classes in dental traumatology  including taking classes taught by the world’s leading traumatologist, Dr. Andreasen of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Academy of General Dentistry. Represents general dentists who wish to excel in providing treatment for their patients in all aspects of dentistry.