A family dentist is much like a general dentist, providing quality primary dental care for patients. Their educational backgrounds and services are similar. So, how do you decide which professional is right? This article will examine both professionals and explore the key difference that sets them apart.
Both family and general dentists act as primary dental providers for their patients. Both are responsible for their patient's routine dental checkups and cleanings, keeping their patient's dental history and records, and monitoring ongoing dental conditions. In addition, they act as the primary resource for the patient when it comes to dental health education.
Their educational backgrounds are also similar. Both must complete undergraduate and dental school and a licensing exam before they can practice in their state. In addition, they dedicate themselves to continuing education and staying current in their field while striving to continually improve how they serve their patients.
If both general and family dentists are equally qualified, what makes one professional a better choice for some people? The answer lies in the key defining difference between general dentists and family dentists. Family dentists focus on providing a primary dental home for entire families, while general dentists focus mainly on adults.
General dentists typically only treat adults and teens over a certain age. However, because a family dentist treats all family members, their patients' ages can range from 3 years old to 65+. Therefore, they will likely have more experience and skill in treating children.
Though the types of services general dentists and family dentists offer can be similar, a family dentist will have more extensive experience performing procedures that focus on the needs of younger patients. These include flouride treatments and dental sealants—both procedures frequently recommended for children to protect their dental health.
Because family dentists are kid-friendly, they design their offices with children and families in mind. They know that often parents will be coming with their kids. Therefore, they have a kid-friendly waiting room with toys and books to keep children entertained while waiting. In addition, their front office staff will also be accustomed to working with children.
Choosing between a general and a family dentist is not a matter of who is more qualified. The choice has more to do with the specific needs of the patients. Both family and general dentists work excellently with adults.
However, for several reasons, adults and families with small children may find a family dentist to be a better fit. First, lives are busy today, especially for those who have kids. Therefore, having one place to take the whole family for dental care is convenient and saves time. Also, when it comes to children, having a dentist they feel comfortable around is essential. Finally, the added benefit is having a dentist with extensive knowledge of a family's dental history.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Turlock, CA
We know how important it is to find the right dental home for you and your family. Our team strives to provide excellent services and dental education to our local area. If you are looking for a dental home or have more questions about family dentistry, we can help.
Request an appointment or call King Dentistry at 209-585-1474 for an appointment in our Turlock office.
As your family grows, you may be considering a family dentist as a good option to take care of everyone's dental health in one place. There are a few signs you can look for that it is time to make a change and schedule appointments with a family dentist.Some dentists are limited in the patients…
Wondering how to practice good oral hygiene? Read on for some helpful tips from a family dentist. Good oral hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health and wellness. Regular visits to a family dentist for checkups, cleanings, and instruction in excellent oral hygiene are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.The family dentist is the…
Choosing a family dentist is one of your most important healthcare decisions. This professional will likely be your family’s dental home for a long time. It is, therefore, important to choose someone who is professional and personable and whom you can trust with your and your family’s dental health.The best way to start a new…
A cosmetic dentist helps enhance the smile's appearance. They may correct cracks, chips, and other cosmetic imperfections in the tooth enamel through options, including tooth contouring or dental veneers. While similar, a patient will only need one of these cosmetic dental procedures. Learning the differences between these two procedures can help determine which treatment meets…
When gums start to recede and pull away from the teeth, it can alter the appearance of the smile and leave the teeth vulnerable to decay. A cosmetic dentist may fix receding gums, restoring the smile's appearance. While the focus will be on aesthetics, some cosmetic dental procedures may also protect your oral health.Gum recession…