When it comes to the maintenance of your teeth, you have to know what type of dentist is right for you. Some of you may wonder if a family dentist is different from a general dentist. So, let’s find out what each dentist near you does and if they are the same or different.
What is a General Dentist?
A general dentist is a dentist providing generalized dental care to people of all ages. They have adequate training in handling common oral issues such as cavities, cleanings, fillings, and more. General dentists place considerable emphasis on preventive care to help keep your teeth healthy. They also treat any dental problems that may arise, like gum disease, tooth decay and more.
What is a Family Dentist?
A family dentist is similar to a general dentist, and the only difference lies in their training specifically for working with the whole age group from childhood to old age. They will help the whole family and tend to address all your dental needs. A family dentist creates a comfortable, welcoming environment for patients of all ages.
Main Differences Between Family and General Dentists
While both family dentists and general dentists offer similar services, the main difference between the two lies in the types of patients they see and their approach to dental care. Here are the key points to help you understand the difference between family dentist and general dentist:
| General Dentist | Family Dentist | |
| Age Range of Patients | A general dentist may treat only adults or patients of a certain age range. | A family dentist treats patients of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. |
| Comfort for Children | A general dentist may not have the same level of expertise or equipment specifically for treating young children. | A family dentist is trained to make children feel comfortable and at ease during their visits to a dental clinic. This can include special techniques or a child-friendly clinic atmosphere. |
| Focus on Family Care | A general dentist might only focus on adult care or specialized treatment needs, rather than focusing on family care as a whole. | Family dentists often focus on building long-term relationships with families, treating everyone in the household for years. They are more focused on general family care. |
| Preventive Care and Education | A general dentist may provide similar advice but may not have as much focus on family-friendly education. | General dentists and family dentists both provide preventive care, such as cleanings, check-ups, and more. However, family dentists may offer more education and support for families, including recommendations on how to care for children’s teeth as they grow. |
Similarities Between Family Dentists and General Dentists
Despite the differences, family dentists and general dentists are alike in many ways. Here are some things they both do:
- Routine Dental Care: Both types of dentists handle cleanings, check-ups, fillings, exams and more.
- Treat Common Dental Problems: Both treat cavities, gum disease, tooth decay and more dental issues.
- Preventive Care: Both focus on helping patients maintain good oral health by preventing problems before they start.
- Cosmetic Procedures: Both can perform procedures like teeth whitening, crowns, veneers and more.
Which Dentist is Right for You?
Deciding whether you should see a general dentist or a family dentist depends on your oral needs. If you have children or a family that needs dental care, a family dentist might be the most suitable choice because they specialize in treating patients of all ages. If you are an adult and only need routine dental care, a general dentist might be the right option for you.
Some families choose a family dentist because it’s easier to keep all their dental care under one roof. Other people may prefer a general dentist because they are focused on adult dental issues.
Key Takeaway
The main difference between the two types of dentists is the age range of patients they treat. While a family dentist specializes in treating patients of all ages, a general dentist may focus on adult dental care. Both dentists provide similar services, but choosing the right one for you and your family depends on your unique oral requirements.
Get Quality Dental Care At Dentists of Chimney Heights!
At Dentists of Chimney Heights, we provide high-quality dental care for the whole family. Whether you’re visiting our clinic for a routine checkup, a cleaning, or more advanced treatments, our friendly team of dentist in Surrey is here to ensure everyone feels comfortable and well cared. We focus on making your dental experience easy and stress-free.
Call Dentists of Chimney Heights today to schedule a dental appointment!