Family Dentist: Learn the Pros and Cons of Using One

If you are thinking of going to a family dentist, you should think about the pros and cons before you decide for sure. There are a few types of dentists to choose from, such as one that serve primarily older kids and adults, and one that mostly deals with younger kids. Before you decide to go with a practitioner who takes on patients of all ages, consider the benefits and downsides.

When you use the same dental office for the entire household, things seem much simpler. For example, you only have to provide insurance information once when you first fill out the forms. This can be time-saving for you, as you do not have to talk to two or three different dentists like you would if your kids used a different practitioner than you and your partner. Also, you can usually make a few appointments at the same time, provided the office has enough staff members to do so.

In addition, you only have to get used to the policies of one practitioner when you use a family dentist. This is in contrast to learning them over and over when each member of your household uses a different office. For example, you need to know the hours, location, and accepted payment methods for each office. You also need to know the policies surrounding cancellations and late arrivals, as most offices differ. Even learning the policies of just two dentists can be confusing, so a family dentist is often considered simpler for everyone.

On the other hand, sometimes sharing the same practitioner can have its downsides. For example, if you want to have an appointment on the same day as your kids, it may not be possible if the practice is not big enough. Some offices only have a couple of staff members working at one time, so they only take on one or two patients at once. If you were to use a few different dentists, you could drop off your kids at their practice and then go to your own appointment at a different one. Of course, this is considered a minor issue, especially if you do not want to have to drive elsewhere and then return to pick up your children.

An additional downside to using a family dentist is that he or she is likely a jack of all trades, not exactly a specialist. Some dentists do have their own specialties in addition to their ability to treat patients of all ages, but you cannot count on this. What this means is that such practitioners may know how to treat the teeth of children, but may not have extensive experience with rare dental issues that tend to occur in children, while a pediatric specialist might. Plus, the atmosphere might not be as kid-friendly as a pediatric office usually is.

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. You could find a family dentist who has years of experience treating children, even those with rare dental conditions, and also boasts an environment that appeals to kids. If this is important to you, do some research to find such an option in your city.