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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Kennewick, WA
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 Gledhill Dental at 509-800-8410 for an appointment in our Kennewick office.
Keeping your appointments with your family dentist can help keep your mouth healthy. This dental health professional knows how to relax and calm patients of every age. Knowing your dentist’s abilities can give you peace of mind that you are in good hands. Here are the details on how your family dentist can improve your…
A family dentist is much like a general dentist, providing quality primary dental care for patients. Their educational backgrounds and services are similar. So, how do you decide which professional is right? This article will examine both professionals and explore the key difference that sets them apart.Both family and general dentists act as primary dental…
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…
Dentures are a common treatment option for people who have lost some or all of their teeth. They help restore the mouth's functionality while boosting a person's confidence by restoring the look of their smile. It is important to properly care for and maintain your new dentures if you want them to last as long…
Occasionally, dentures need adjustments or repairs to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness. Your mouth changes over time, and your dentures must change with it. Adjustments and repairs can help make that possible. These involve corrections to dentures to fix issues with fit, comfort, and minor damage. Read on to learn more about the repair process.Start…