Choosing A Family Dentist

Choosing a family dentist can be a tough decision unless you have the proper information.

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

The Family Dentists Difference

The main difference between family dentists or clinics and dental groups is that their practices are different. 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 needing a referral to pediatric dentists for better oral care.

With family dentists, the clinic or office often serves as a “one-stop” shop for all 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 under one roof, scheduling appointments will be much less of a hassle.

Weighing In

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

Think of what you and your family needs. Will one of you ever need braces? Does anyone 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.

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

Is not having the most efficient technology and facilities be a deal-breaker for you? If you merely 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 deciding.

Three Pinnacles of Service

Experience—In addition to asking how long your family dentist has been practicing, you might also ask which procedures are frequently performed on patients in that office. It is essential to find a dentist who is skilled in the services you need.

Services—In addition to general dental care, many family dentists provide additional services such as sedation dentistry, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, or cosmetic dentistry. Look for a family dentist that provides the services most pertinent to your family’s needs.

Atmosphere—When choosing a family dentist, you might want to visit the dental office. Every office has a different atmosphere and feeling created by the staff, and it is essential that your whole family can feel comfortable when they come for dental checkups. If you have young children, look for a team that works well with children and is willing to explain dental health in simple terms.