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 Atlanta, GA
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 Dr. Charles Arp, DDS & Dr. Smriti Bajaj, DMD at 404-682-2887 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.
Unlike other body organs, your teeth cannot regenerate when damaged. Therefore, you will need to repair the teeth with synthetic materials to have a full-functioning smile. Here are some tips from a family dentist to help maintain proper oral care to preserve the only set of natural teeth you will ever have.Brushing removes plaque, a…
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…
Your entire household can have their teeth checked out at the same time if you visit a family dentist. These are dentists who are trained to provide services to patients of all ages. Getting routine dental checkups is an essential part of good oral hygiene. Most dental issues can be avoided by practicing good oral…
Regular dental cleaning is a small effort with a payoff that can last a lifetime.…
Visiting the dentist for a checkup and dental cleaning is not something that most people…
Dental fillings can restore teeth with minor fractures or cavities.
Full mouth reconstruction can restore the smile's functionality, appearance, and health even when multiple issues…
Visiting the dental office for checkups and dental cleaning can be inconvenient. However, cleaning appointments…
Professional dental cleaning has several preventative and corrective benefits. Dentists use these periodic checkups to…
