Choosing a dentist in a world with so many options can be tough, especially when you have kids. Should you choose a family dentist or a children's dentist?
As the name suggests, a family dentist caters to families. They are general dentists who provide preventive and therapeutic oral care services and dental education. Their patients are not just adults but range from childhood to old age. It is common for family dentists to treat family members from various generations.
These practices are often described as kid-friendly and staffed by office workers and dental professionals who are skilled at and enjoy working with kids. Their waiting rooms are often supplied with child-friendly activities and books to keep children occupied while they wait. The goal of a family dentist is to create a trusting and long-term relationship with the family in order to promote the oral health of all family members.
A children's dentist, or a pediatric dentist, will be kid-friendly and design their practice with children in mind. Since they treat only children up to the age of 18, their offices will be even more geared toward children. Pediatric dentists work with children exclusively and see a higher volume of young patients, making them more experienced in treating childhood dental issues.
Education is another important key difference between a family dentist and a children’s dentist. A pediatric dentist is an American Dental Association-recognized specialist in dental care for babies, toddlers, children, and teens. This means that in addition to completing dental school, these dentists must complete a two- to three-year residency program in pediatric dentistry.
Choosing the right dental professional for you and your family comes down to matching your needs to what each type of dentist offers. There is no set rule for choosing one or the other. Understanding the focus of each can help to determine the most effective option.
A Family dentist can see patients of varying ages
If you are looking for a dentist the whole family can go to and have school-aged children, a family dentist is likely the best match. Life gets busy, and getting everyone’s dental appointments in can be made a lot easier by having a single dental home for everyone.
A Children's dentist provides specialized care
A pediatric dentist is ideal for babies, toddlers, and other preschool-aged children. This dental professional would also be preferable for children with complex dental needs. In addition, parents of children with special needs should strongly consider taking their child to a pediatric dentist. By calling ahead, parents can determine if the practice is the best choice for their child.
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Few things are more important than the dental health of your children. Choosing the right dentist is crucial for setting children up for lifelong oral health. If you need help finding a dental home for your family or child, we can help. Call our team today to learn more about family and pediatric dentistry.
Request an appointment or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at 832-579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
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