Why You Should See a Family Dentist

For those tired of making numerous trips to different offices for dental care for the whole family, it may be time to make the switch to a family dentist. Unlike general dentistry where services are focused on a particular age group, family dentistry provides oral care for people of different age ranges in a family.

5 benefits of choosing a family dentist

For those needing an oral health provider who can deal with the different concerns across family members, there are five key benefits for choosing a family dentistry practice.

1. Simplified dental care

With all of the busy schedules between work, school, or extracurricular activities, shuttling family members around town to different dentists can be chaotic and stressful. Opting for family dentistry simplifies everything. There is the convenience of scheduling all of the family members at one time for their routine cleanings. Seeing the same dentist throughout childhood and into adulthood also simplifies the patient/provider relationship and provides continuity of care.

2. Expanded range of services

As there are many ages to accommodate in family dentistry, many providers have expanded service options. Depending on the provider, older patients may learn options for tooth loss while teenagers may be evaluated for orthodontic needs. Tooth whitening services may be available, as well as other cosmetic options. If it is important that each member has access to quality services relevant to common age concerns, a family dentist often addresses this through a wide range in areas of expertise.

3. Centralized dental history

Though dental hygiene practices are mostly the same for all ages, there are transitionary stages to oral health and tooth development. For families with multiple children, moving from a dentist who focuses on younger kids to one who works with teenagers numerous times can create a slight headache with records, imaging, and patient files. It is easier to have a strong relationship cultivated with one dentist who can oversee the various areas of oral health as family members age. The chart and dental history stay in one place, reducing the chances for information or concerns to fall through the cracks.

4. Unified dental health

It can be challenging to encourage children and teenagers to follow good hygiene practices, but parents have the opportunity to set a good example when everyone goes to the dentist together. Younger children learn there is nothing to fear when visiting the dentist, especially when they see their parents being treated by the same provider. This establishes oral hygiene as a priority, and there is a greater likelihood that children will develop more consistent dental care habits when those habits have been modeled by a parent.

5. Streamlined billing

Visiting the same dental office can streamline insurance claims and bill payment. Keeping track of which provider may be in-network or which services are covered across several different providers can be frustrating. When everyone visits the same location, there is less confusion when it comes to the financial aspect of dental care.