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1919 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343 • Hopkins Dentist

Family Dentist vs. General Dentist: What’s The Difference?

Family Dentist vs. General Dentist

There are many reasons someone would want to look for a new dentist. Maybe they’ve just moved to a new place, their old dentist is retiring, or they’re just looking for a change. Regardless, it is crucial to figure out the kind of dentist you need. And the more common options are usually a family dentist or a general dentist.

And yes, there is a difference, although quite subtle, between the two. In this post, we will talk about both types of dentists and help you figure out which one is the right choice for you.

Family Dentist Vs. General Dentist: What’s The Difference?

A family dentist and a general dentist have similar educational backgrounds. Both must complete their undergraduate degree, followed by 4 years of dental school.

They also undergo extensive training to become licensed dental professionals. 

So How Are They Different?

The main difference between a family dentist and a general one is the type of patients they oversee.

General dentists might restrict their patients to a specific age group. On the other hand, family dentists oversee the dental care of people of all ages – from infants and toddlers to adults and seniors.

Since they are trained to deliver oral care to everyone, family dentists specialize in various dental treatments catering to all ages. So, if your family consists of kids, adults, and seniors, you are better off visiting one family dentist instead of seeing different dentists across varied locations.

The Advantages of a Family Dentist

The Advantages of a Family Dentist

Family dentists offer multiple advantages over any other dentist. Some of them are as follows –

A Family Dentist is Convenient

When we say convenient, we mean that if you’re looking for oral care for your entire family, you must visit one office. This allows you to avoid shuttling different members to and from other dental clinics.

All you need to do is schedule multiple appointments in one day and bring everyone to the dental clinic together to meet their needs.

A Family Dentist is Aware of Your Family Dental History

A significant advantage of having a family dentist is their familiarity with your family’s dental history. This allows them to advise suitable treatments based on the information and check for any signs of potential disease.

This is especially important in cases of genetic conditions like differently positioned teeth, dental decay, and oral cancer. The family dentist will be vigilant while treating you and your children and take preventive action as soon as possible.

A Family Dentist Offers Versatile Dental Services

Since they are responsible for the oral health of all ages, family dental clinics offer a wide range of treatments catering to everyone. 

So whether you’re looking for cleaning for kids, fillings for adults, or dentures for seniors – a family dentist meets all your needs. 

A Family Dentist Means A Long-Lasting Relationship

One of the great things about a family dentist is that you don’t need to switch dental professionals as you grow older. You can continue visiting the same dentist (until they retire) for all your dental needs.

This is especially helpful with kids and adults with dental anxiety. When you start visiting a family dentist as a group, it makes the experience easier for an anxious person. Regular visits make them increasingly comfortable with the dental professional, eventually overcoming their fear.

And unless they move cities or the professional retires, they can continue visiting the same dentist and taking care of their oral health.

Regular and Consistent Services With A Family Dentist

Dental experts advise seeing your dentist at least twice a year to maintain good oral health. Having a family dentist means you will be comfortable visiting them and won’t miss an appointment.

Furthermore, when the same dentist attends to you and your family’s needs every time, you get consistent treatments.

What Services Does A Family Dentist Provide?

At the Hopkins Family Dental clinic, you can take advantage of the following services – 

Preventive Services

Includes treatments aimed at preventing oral disease and maintaining oral health. The most common treatments are professional cleaning, dental sealants, fluorides, etc.

Professional cleaning gets rid of plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease.

Dental sealants and fluoride applications prevent dental decay from occurring and spreading.

Restorative Dentistry

What Services Does A Family Dentist Provide

Restorative dental treatments correct any oral diseases present in the mouth and restore appearance and functionality. These include –

  • Fillings
  • Root Canal Treatments
  • Dental crowns
  • Dental bridges
  • Dentures
  • Dental Implants

Dentistry for Children

Dentistry for Children

The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry states that your child should be taken to the dentist at the first sign of teething. This allows the dentist to perform preliminary exams, advise you on caring for your infant’s teeth, answer any questions, and set your child up for good oral health.

The most common treatments for kids are –

  • Professional cleaning
  • Dental sealants to prevent cavities
  • Dental appliances to break habits such as thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, mouth-breathing, etc.

Family dentists are trained to deal with children, so they are the perfect dental professionals to take your child to. They understand a child’s fears about visiting the dentist and know how to make them comfortable.

Aside from good oral health, a family dentist’s primary goal is to ensure a child grows up with positive dental experiences. This goes a long way toward them becoming responsible adults.

Family Dentist At Hopkins Family Dentistry, MN

At Hopkins Family Dentistry, our dental team strives to make your dental visits easy-going, efficient, and a delight for everyone! 

Our resident dental expert is Dr. Arielle Avant. A graduate of the Oregon Health and Sciences School of Dentistry, Dr. Avant has devoted her career to learning the art of facial esthetics while creating a laid-back atmosphere for her dentistry.

As a family dental establishment, we ensure that you and your family feel comfortable from the moment you enter our clinic to the point you leave. With our expertise, we prioritize your comfort while providing state-of-the-art services – ensuring that you leave us with a smile on your face!

If you would like to schedule an appointment with the Hopkins Family team, call us at (952) 935-2121. You can also request a free virtual consult with Dr. Avant.

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