### What is a Family Dentist?
A family dentist is not just a dentist who treats children or elderly patients living with extended family. Instead, a modern family dentist is a professional supported by a team of hygienists and assistants, and is often trained in the latest dental techniques to make life easier for their patients.
### Why Choosing the Right Family Dentist is Important
You might wonder how a dentist can simplify your life. A good family dentist keeps up with the latest techniques, materials, and patient needs, becoming your reliable “go-to” for dental care. However, finding the right one isn’t only about the range of services they offer. It’s crucial to assess your specific needs and choose an office that fits those requirements.
If your household includes both young children and older adults, you might need a dental office that can cater to children’s dental care as well as provide services like dentures, implants, and advanced treatments for adults.
### Anticipate Your Needs
Selecting the right family dentist involves some guesswork. You may not be able to predict all your family’s future dental needs, but using your family’s dental history and some educated guessing can help steer you towards the best candidates. Consider whether you might need services like orthodontics, smile makeovers, implants, oral surgery, or emergency care.
Additionally, consider insurance and financing options. Many people overlook this aspect, which can lead to unexpected costs. Understand your dental coverage and any payment arrangements you might need before booking a visit.
### Check for Ongoing Education
When choosing a family dentist, ensure the dental professionals are up-to-date on the latest materials, procedures, and techniques. Dentistry is constantly evolving, with new advancements being made regularly. For example, treatments like overlays and invisible braces have advanced significantly, and a good dentist will pursue education on these developments.
You can start your search online by visiting dental office websites to learn about their staff, mission, and services. Look for customer reviews and feedback to gather more information.
### Get Recommendations
Once you’ve identified a few potential dentists, ask friends, co-workers, and other parents for recommendations. It’s likely that others will suggest some of the same names you found during your research. Use this “word of mouth” feedback to help you make a final decision. Finally, schedule a few visits to get a feel for the offices and find the best fit for your needs.