What To Look For in a Family Dentist

A family dentist provides dentistry services to people of all ages. This makes them ideal dental homes for busy families. If you are looking for a new dental home and are considering a family dentist, these are some key qualities to look for.

Things to look for in a family dentist

Convient location

Location is important, and a family's dental home should be quick and easy to get to. While this is not the most important of all qualities to look for, a conveniently located dentist will make it easier to facilitate transportation to dental appointments. Patents should try for a family dentist close to places they frequent during their weekly routine. It is advisable to seek a dentist close to work, a child's school, or home.

Nights and weekend hours

Availability is another important factor. Many dentists are only open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. However, dental needs do not always happen during business hours. Also, it is good to have many options when trying to fit dental appointments into a family's busy and often scattered schedule. Look for dentists who offer advice for accessing emergency dental services during off hours. Also, consider dentists that offer regular availability in the evenings and weekends.

Good customer service

Good customer service is a priority. Office staff must be friendly and accommodating, taking time to answer patients' questions. Staff should be responsive, meaning they answer when possible, return calls promptly, and make it easy to schedule, change, and cancel appointments. Look for practices with a good online presence who are available by phone as well as online. Make sure the practice's office staff are professional and knowledgeable about the practice.

Qualifications and experience

All dentists should have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), an accredited dental program. In addition, a family dentist should display proven experience working with a range of ages, from young children to older adults. Look for family dentists who advertise themselves as family dentists and use terms like kid-friendly. It is a good idea for parents with very young children to call the dentist's office to see if there are any age restrictions on whom they can treat. There are family dentists that only treat school-age children and above.

Offers services you need

Most families have a good idea of the types of dental services they are most likely to need. Therefore, ensuring a dentist provides those services and is proficient in them is a must. For example, family dentists should offer a range of services common to particular demographics, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments for children, tooth replacement options, and deep dental cleanings for older adults.

Researching local family dentists

It used to be that asking friends, family, and co-workers was the only way to get this information. However, the internet has made gathering information so much easier. Much of the information a patient needs can be found on a dentist's website. Also, there are several places online where patients can read reviews of dentists written by actual patients.