Dr. Day, a native of St. Albans, West Virginia, graduated from West Virginia University Dental School in 1975 and then practiced general dentistry for five years before returning to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Day also taught Pediatric Dentistry before returning to Morgantown to practice Pediatric Dentistry. Having an interest in dental missions outreach, Dr. and Mrs. Day have traveled to World Vision orphanages in Jeruz, Mexico and Zacatecas City, and Southern Chile. Dr. Day and his wife have three grown children, Jason (dental x-ray assistant), Dr. Rachel Turak (general dentist staff), and Matthew (sterilization assistant).
A program established by the American Dental Association uses the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry to certify Pediatric Dentists. Under this program, dentists receive extensive training in child psychology to aid them in alleviating the young child's fear of dental treatment. Other training includes the oral-facial growth and development of children, management of emergency situations, care of handicapped children, and hospital dentistry. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry estimates there are now over 3,800 recognized Pediatric Dentists treating the special needs of children.
A Pediatric Dentist's practice is usually limited to children from birth to 18 years of age. The first visit to the dental office should be around 12 months or 1 year of age.
