Why Choose a Family Dentist?

If you’ve ever tried scheduling different dental appointments for you, your partner and your kids, you probably know just how of a hassle it is. However, if you choose a family dentist, you’ll find yourself spending much less time for just as frequent dental office visits for you and your family.

What Makes Family Dentists Different

The main difference with family dentists or clinics or dental groups is that their practices are different practices. While general dentists can serve as your primary care dentist, they’ll often have to refer you or your family to other dentists with more specialized knowledge, such as children being referred to pediatric dentists for better oral care.

With family dentists, the clinic or office often serves as a “one-stop” shop for all of your family’s dental care needs.

Inside their office, you’ll find pediatric dentists, ones who specialize in taking care of children’s dental needs; endodontists, dentists who specialize in taking care of the pulp or root; or even general dentists, dentists who’ve trained in many specialized areas.

Because of how many specialized dentists are there in one roof, scheduling appointments will be much less of a hassle. However, you’ll still want to ask if whether the family dental group or clinic offers the kind of specialized dental practice that you or your family needs.

How To Find a Family Dentist 

It’s important to know that not all dental practices who advertise treatment for the whole family are family dentists. Some may only be a general practice clinic, and not a family group.

Organizations such as the American Dental Association should have websites containing enough information to help you find a family dentist that fits you and your family’s needs, as well as one that’s conveniently located.

Once you’ve considered making the switch to family dental groups, it’s best to consider the following:

1. Think of what you and your family needs. Will one of you ever need braces? Does any one of you suffer from gingivitis, or periodontitis? If that’s true, it’s best to look for a family dentist with both an orthodontist and a periodontist.

2. If you have children, find out if the group actually has a pediatric dentist, or simply just cater to both adults and children with a general dentist. The difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist is huge, especially because pediatric dentists have been trained to handle the specific needs of a child’s dental health.

3. Will not having the most efficient technology and facilities be a deal-breaker for you? If you simply want to unify where your whole family goes to the dentist, this may not be that big of a deal. However, if the needs of you and your family are different, be sure to do your research and ask about the procedures and equipment available in the office before making a decision.

Of course, keeping your family’s dental health in great shape doesn’t start in the dentist’s office, but rather, at home.

Make sure that you and your family follows a proper oral hygiene routine at home that includes brushing teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash.

If you’re looking for a family dentist that’s dedicated to personalized and professional care, contact our office today!