Family dentistry is a popular field for many types of oral healthcare providers
. But finding a dentist that truly fits your whole family can often be a challenge. There are a number of things to keep in mind when researching dentists in your area to see if they fit with your family dentistry needs.
Dad: Dad is very busy and doesn't have time to make appointments during regular business hours. He requires a dentist that is open on weekends, or a little later during the day and extra early in the mornings. A dentist with flexible appointment scheduling is best for Dad.
Mom: Mom is nervous every time she goes to the dentist and does not like the sound of the dental cleaning tools. She requires a little extra TLC in order to make her visit enjoyable and relaxing. She needs a dentist that can offer calm and peaceful remedies or she will find excuses to miss her regularly scheduled cleanings.
Big brother: Big brother has braces and needs a dentist with orthodontic experience or someone within the practice that can treat and follow his braces. He is excited to get the braces off in a couple of years, but needs to be told how to adequately clean and take care of them in the meantime.
Little sister: Little sister is learning how to brush her teeth on her own and enjoys being rewarded for her cavity-free visits. Many dental providers have kid-friendly programs that reward children with stickers or other stamp cards when they get a clean visit. This type of encouragement and education can foster lifelong habits that help promote oral health and hygiene.
New baby: Most pediatricians recommend taking your new baby to the dentist around the time the first tooth comes in. These visits can often be delayed until 2 or 3 years of age and many dentists will advise to wait until the patient can be more comfortable in the chair.Keep all of these things in mind when looking into family dentistry options in your area. An oral healthcare provider that fits with your entire family's needs will be one that can grow with you over time. It is good to find a provider you can trust in order to achieve regular routine care as well as diagnosis and treatment of problems as they arise. By treating your family to a dental provider that treats each of their needs individually, you help ensure each member develops lifelong habits for good oral health and hygiene.by: Abigail Aaronson