Family Dentist vs General Dentist? Which One Should You Choose?

Most of us do not know the difference, family dentist vs general dentist. Do you?

How well do people take care of their teeth? Unfortunately, unless they are experiencing oral pain or have disastrously crooked teeth, many people don’t think about their teeth at all.

In fact, about 16.9% of children between 5-19 have untreated dental caries. Adults are doing even worse with 31.6% of those between 20-44 with untreated dental caries. 

So, oral health and seeing a dentist are important to keep in mind. But which kind of dentist?

Let’s compare a family dentist vs general dentist to see how they stack up. 

How Are They Similar?

First, let’s look at the similarities. Both types of dentists have to undergo rigorous training to become a dentist. Typically this involves 3-4 years of undergraduate education with another 4 years of dental school on top of that. 

Both are qualified to handle a variety of types of oral care. For example,

• Routine cleanings
• Filling cavities
• Fluoride treatments
• Braces and other orthodontic treatments including Invisalign
• Treatments preventative care for periodontal disease 

Some dentists may also offer other services such as dental veneers, implants, bridges, and crowns. More specialized procedures will require visiting a specialist. 

How Do General and Family Dentistry Differ?

The main difference between family dentists and general dentists are the age groups of people they treat. General dentists tend to prefer to work with adults only (usually 16 and up).

Pediatric dentistry requires a special touch. Children are often nervous about going to the dentist with all the strange sights, sounds, and smells they experience in the office. A dentist who prefers to work with adults and not children may not offer that kind of service and will choose to offer general dentistry services. 

In a family dentistry practice, on the other hand, all age groups are welcome. This is convenient for families since all members of the family can visit the same dentist — regardless of age. This can be a time-saver by scheduling various members of the family at once as well as it gives you a chance to develop a stronger relationship with your dentist. 

Pediatric Dentistry

There is one more basic type of dentist — pediatric dentists. They are the opposite of a general dentist and only work with children. These dentists typically study an additional 2 or 3 years to learn about child psychology and to learn how to work with special needs children. 

These dental offices are usually stuffed with toys, games, and other objects to lessen a child’s anxiety when visiting the dentist.

Family Dentist vs General Dentist: The Verdict 

So, who wins the family dentist vs general dentist debate? If you have children you may prefer to visit a family dentist so that everyone can visit the same dentist. If you don’t have kids, either type of dentist will work for you. And if you have a special needs child or a child who is particularly anxious about visiting the dentist, you may want to choose a pediatric dentist.  

Looking for a new dentist? Don’t hesitate to check us out here at Suburban Essex Dental. Our head dentist has over 30 years of dentistry experience and does it all. From general and family care, pediatric dentistry to restorative and cosmetic surgery, we can handle the oral care needs of all.

Contact us to book an appointment today!

Our warm and friendly office is located in West Orange, New Jersey in Essex County. Take a look at our Birdeye score of 5-star reviews. Come and be a part of this long list of happy patients.