The dental sector recognizes several classifications of dental practitioners. Examples include general dentists, orthodontics, and family dentists. Knowing the classifications can help you get the best and most relevant treatment. Below is an overview of family dentistry.

Meaning of Family Dentistry

Family dentists handle patients of all ages. Children, young adults, and older adults benefit from oral care from family dentists. This description makes family dentists seem like general dentists. True, some overlap exists between the two categories of dentists. However, family dentists usually have more experience with children than general dentists.

Examples of Services

Family dentists handle general oral care problems. For example, family dentists provide:

• Preventive dental care, such as dental sealing, teeth cleaning, and fluoride treatments
• Orthodontic treatment, such as dental braces
• Teeth extractions, such as wisdom teeth extractions
• Gum disease treatment

The services you can enjoy from a family dentist vary by dental practice.

Benefits of Family Dentistry

The versatility of family dentistry makes it popular with many people. Below are specific benefits of family dentistry.

Scheduling Convenience

Family members can enjoy convenient dental schedules and treatments using the same family dentist. For example, using a family dentist allows a parent, their child, and their grandchild to schedule their appointments on the same day and with the same dentist. Such scheduling minimizes the resources (including time) you need for family dental care.

Multiple Dental Services

Some dentists specialize in specific services or treatments. On the other hand, many family dentists do not specialize in specific dental services but offer multiple ones. Thus, family dentistry allows you to get multiple dental services at the same location.

Intimate Knowledge of Dental History

However, a family dentist who has handled your dental problems from childhood has intimate knowledge of your oral and dental health. You may not even need to update the dentist about your oral health, just as you would with other dentists. The intimate knowledge of your dental history helps to streamline current treatments.

Ongoing Relationship and Rapport

Some people suffer from dental anxiety, which makes them fear dentists, dental procedures, and dental instruments. An ongoing relationship with a dentist can help ease dental anxiety. Using the same family dentists for years and different dental concerns helps develop a rapport that goes a long way in relieving anxiety.  

Hopefully, you have recognized a family dentist that can handle your family's dental ailments. Note that your family dentist may refer you to other practitioners if you need treatment outside your dentist's specialization.

For more information, contact a family dentist such as Dawn Grosser-Mason.