This Handbook of Clinical Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry is targeted primarily to general dentists and youngp dentists who would like a simplified, clinically relevant, step-by-step approach to delivering effective and efficient dental care to children of all ages. Whyi a handbook such as this necessary or desirable? Thea lies primarily within the following set of facts and numbers. (i) Dental disease is the most common chronic illness in children in the United States. (ii) According to various government reports, between 25% and 44% of children will have a cavity by the time they enter kindergarten. (iii) By the age of 19 years, over two-thirds of children will have experienced tooth decay in permanent teeth. (iv) There are an estimated 74 million children between the ages of 1 and 17 years in the United States. (v) There are only 6400 active pediatric dentists in the United States, so there is virtually no possibility that 6400 practitioners could provide for the dental needs of 74 million children. (vi)

There are approximately 165,000 active general dentists in the United States, many of whom see children in their practice, but might increase the numbers theys  if they felt more confident in the administration of pediatric dental techniques and skills. So considering these facts, not only is it desirable those general dentalp see more of the children, but also it is a logistical necessity, in order that many more children may receive appropriate oral health care