The primary difference between a family and general dentists in Reidsville, NC is the age of the patients they treat. But which one best suits you and your family’s dental needs?
This is a complex question that requires thorough deliberation and contemplation.
Keeping the same in mind, this blog explores:
- Who Is A General Dentist?
- Who Is A Family Dentist?
- How Do You Decide If You Need A Family Or A General Dentist?
Continue reading as we find which dentist you must choose for your dental well-being.
Introduction:
Choosing a dentist can be overwhelming, with so many considerations to remember. But making this decision is important considering 26% of the US population has untreated dental problems.
This makes it important that people access the right dental treatment at the right time to maintain proper oral health.
But this also raises the question of whether you should visit a caring family dentist or a general dentist equipped to meet your dental needs. So, let’s dive into the nuances of the matter and help you make an informed decision.
Who Is A General Dentist?
A general dentist has at least three years of undergraduate education and four years of dental school before they can start practicing. These dentists have all the necessary skills and knowledge to help you get an ideal smile that brings out your best. Of course, this is the goal of every dentist, but general dentists only cater to the needs of patients from a specific age group.
Most general dentists offer dental services, including root canal treatment (RCT), Invisalign, veneers, tooth extraction, bonding, crowns, dentures, and more. So, if you are over sixteen with these dental issues, you can consider accessing general dental care.
Who Is A Family Dentist?
Family dentists are very similar to general dentists except that they treat dental issues of people of all ages. This means that everyone from children to teenagers, adults, and even elderly adults can access family dentistry treatments. A competent family dentist also undergoes specialized training to understand changes from infancy to teenage years.
Most family dentists focus their services and treatments on educating and preventing dental issues. This means teaching children the significance of maintaining proper oral hygiene and health right from their formative years. Some family dentists also offer cosmetic and restorative dental treatments such as dental implants, veneers, tooth extraction, whitening, and more.
How Do You Decide If You Need A Family Or A General Dentist?
Considering the primary difference between a general and a family dentist is the age of the patient they treat, it can be challenging to make the right choice. However, taking a few considerations beforehand can help make the right decision easily. So, let’s check out what these considerations are all about.
Consideration 1: If You Have A Family?
Your family is the first consideration you must have while making this decision. If you have a family, especially with a child or children, you should go with a family dentist.
Your family dentist can offer comprehensive dental care for all your family members. This also has several benefits for you since you can access dental treatments conveniently and save more time.
This also helps reduce your stress with payment and insurance complications. Having a one-stop dental stop for all your family’s dental needs gives the dentist enough time to know your family’s dental history.
This helps establish a better bond with the dentist to reduce dental stress and panic.
Consideration 2: Do You Have Children?
If you are a family with a child or children, it goes without saying that you should choose a family dentist. Even if you don’t have children now but plan on having them later, choosing a family dentist can benefit you.
This will save you the hassle of finding an ideal family dentist in the future. Besides, people with children should always opt for a family dentist since it helps mitigate the impact of adverse issues such as dental anxiety.
If your children have the same dentist from the start, it will help them get more comfortable. Family dentists also have the skills and knowledge to understand children’s psychology better.
Consideration 3: Consider Your Dentist’s Qualifications
The third and one of the most important considerations you need to remember when choosing a dentist is their qualification. You must remember both family and general dentists undergo more or less similar training and education.
But there are still certain qualities you can look for in a dentist to understand their competence level better. You must evaluate aspects such as years of experience, training, awards, certifications, active membership with dental organizations, and more.
If you go for a family dentist, ensure they have the skills and competencies to interact with different family members.
Consideration 4: Types Of Dental Services Offered
The final consideration when choosing between a family dentist and a general dentist is their type of dental services. You must ensure that whichever dentistry you choose offers all dental services to meet your dental needs effectively.
This is important for ensuring all your dental needs are met effectively and you can access convenient treatments. It also eliminates needing referrals from others and finding a different dentist to meet your requirements. This could also mean choosing a family dentist if you don’t have or don’t want children.
On the contrary, it could also mean choosing a general dentist to meet your dental needs effectively.
Takeaway:
- The primary difference between a family and a general dentist is the age of the patients they treat.
- A general dentist has at least three years of undergraduate education and four years of dental school before they can start practicing.
- Family dentists are very similar to general dentists except that they treat dental issues of people of all ages.
- Don’t stay confused with the talent of individual dentists. Get all the experts you need under a roof at Caring Modern Dentistry.