Family dentists are uniquely qualified to offer various dental services to patients of all ages. Children, teens, and adults can visit the dentist for teeth cleanings, checkups, cavity fillings, and other restorative dental procedures. This article will examine the qualifications of family dentists to help you find the right one for your family’s oral health.
Education and training
Becoming a family dentist requires three to five years of additional education after earning a bachelor’s degree. While attending an accredited dental school, dental students are trained on how to inspect the oral cavity and diagnose oral health issues. Learning to complete various dental procedures, such as filling cavities, is an integral part of this training.
After graduating with a degree in dentistry, aspiring dentists must then pass the National Board Dental Examination, or “NBDE,” to become licensed to practice. This examination is composed of both a written and practical exam. Many dentists also complete continuing education to stay current with developments in dental technology.
Experience in family dental health
A qualified dental professional has years of experience in their area of practice. A family dentist has helped patients of all ages, from younger children to older adults. They should also have experience treating a wide range of oral health issues. Thus, they can spot any underlying issues while providing other dental services.
A variety of dental services
Patients in need of routine dental care will find what they are looking for at the family dentist. Most offer services related to preventative dentistry and oral hygiene. Some are even qualified to provide some type of orthodontics, like clear aligners. The most common procedures offered by family dentists are:
- Six-month checkups and cleanings
- Cavity prevention and treatment
- Dental sealants
- Fluoride treatments
- Gum disease prevention
Treating patients with dental anxiety
Most family dentists have experience treating patients with dental anxiety. While they are not mental health professionals who can treat anxiety directly, dentists can help patients manage their anxiety long enough to complete a dental procedure. Regardless of whether the patient is a child, teenager, or adult, there are many techniques learned through experience that can help:
- Short appointment times
- Working quickly but thoroughly
- Taking breaks during treatment
- Using a weighted blanket
- Listening to music or using other distractions
Specialized equipment and technology
Up-to-date technology is an important qualification for family dentists. The healthcare industry is always developing new techniques and equipment to approach dental issues in innovative ways. Whether it is the latest tool for removing tartar or a new fluoride treatment to prevent tooth decay, a qualified family dentist will stay in the know about these developing technologies.
Within the same vein, a family dentist will also have specialized equipment for the dental procedures they provide. An example would be keeping smaller X-ray bite tabs on hand for child patients.
Contact a family dentist today
Visiting a family dentist with the right qualifications can help bring peace of mind and good oral health. If you are looking for a family dentist, our team would be happy to help. Call us today to schedule your first appointment.
Request an appointment or call Moskowitz and Penner Dental Arts at 732-583-3373 for an appointment in our Aberdeen Township office.
Related Posts
Choosing a family dentist is one of your most important healthcare decisions. This professional will likely be your family’s dental home for a long time. It is, therefore, important to choose someone who is professional and personable and whom you can trust with your and your family’s dental health.The best way to start a new…
A family dentist is a dental professional who specializes in caring for the teeth and gums of people of all ages. With this being the case, we offer a wide range of services. Here is an outline of the most common treatments we provide.Routine professional cleanings are integral to maintaining optimal oral health. Our family…
Children need to develop healthy oral care habits at a young age so they will carry them into their teenage and adult years, and in this review from a family dentist, we discuss several ways that parents can help protect their children's oral health with healthy habits. We also discuss how a family dentist can…