If you’re on the hunt for a new dentist for your family in Fort Atkinson, you’ve likely come across both general dentists as well as family dentists. The real question is what is the difference between the two types of dentists and which one is right for your family? At BKS Dental, we want to help patients make the right choice in their search for the best dentist for their family – whether that’s with us or a different dentist. Choosing the right dentist can make your life easier and help you reach your oral health goals.
What’s a General Dentist?
A general dentist is exactly what it sounds like – a dentist who practices general dentistry. General dentists don’t have a specialized field of dentistry. Their ultimate goal is to help you maintain and healthy mouth and help with some restorative and cosmetic work. They might also have age restrictions on who they work with. For instance, they might not work with children younger than 16 which means if you have young children you might have to travel across town so your child can get the dental care they need.
General dentists receive an extensive amount of training and education before practicing dentistry just like any dentist. After undergraduate school, they will go on to attend three to four years of dental school before they can become a general dentist.
What’s a Family Dentist?
A family dentist is similar to a general dentist by the means that they are both extensively trained and have an undergraduate degree and dental school under their belts. They both usually offer similar services. The main difference between general dentists and family dentists is that family dentists specialize in dental procedures for all ages. In other words, they can treat anyone in your family and if you live in the same area all your life, you might visit the same dental office in your senior years as you did in your youth.
Family dentists help educate their patients about the importance of good oral hygiene and the best practices to keep a smile clean and healthy. This can include teaching a toddler how to brush their teeth or how to teach an older patient to take care of their dentures. Their main priority is giving patients the education they need to maintain their smiles outside of the dental office.
Family dentists also focus on providing a positive experience for the entire family. At BKS Dental, we offer a comfortable, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere for all ages and all procedures. You can look forward to a positive experience every time! Our goal is to help you feel comfortable every time you visit the dentist. We want you to look forward to your appointments, not dread them.
Why Choose a Family Dentist in Fort Atkinson
There are a number of reasons why you should choose a family dentist instead of a general dentist.
One Dental Office
For starters, if you have a family that ranges in age, a family dentist is a much better choice. With a family dentist, you can schedule an appointment for every person in your family at the same location; especially if your family dentist offers all the procedures you could ever need. Choosing a family dentist can save you time from having to drive to and from multiple dental offices to meet the needs of everyone in your family.
Create Positive Experiences
If you have young children, their experiences at the dentist are more important than anyone. If their first visit to the dentist leaves them feeling afraid of the dentist, this can set them up for poor oral hygiene in their future. All it takes is one bad experience for children to have a negative association with visiting the dentist. Once they reach adulthood, they might not want to visit the dentist anymore for cleanings or non-emergency problems. This can have a huge impact on their oral health.
When you visit a family dentist instead of a general dentist, your child will see a dentist who specializes in treating all ages – meaning your dentist knows how to treat a young child differently than an adult. This means there’s a smaller chance your child will have a traumatizing experience at the dentist.
Get to Know Your Fort Atkinson Dental Office Like Family
The last reason you should choose a family dentist is that it allows your children and the entire family to become familiar with one single dental office and a handful of dentists. The first few visits might feel brand-new but after visiting the same dentist repeatedly, it will feel more like visiting with family who just happens to help keep your oral health in check. We don’t know about you, but visiting with family sounds like an appealing way to visit the dentist!
How to Find a Family Dentist in Fort Atkinson
If you’re searching for family dentistry in Fort Atkinson, there are a few ways to simplify your search. First, find a dentist that offers all the procedures you think your family might need. If you have younger children, it might be a good idea to find a dentist who offers orthodontics and myofunctional therapy. Most adults will want a dentist who offers a wide variety of restorative and cosmetic procedures so they can perfect their own smile. In addition to the wide variety of procedures, you will also want to find a dentist who has an office location that’s convenient for you. Your family dentist in Fort Atkinson should also have a payment plan that works for you or accepts your dental insurance.
You can also find your ideal family dentist by looking at reviews, searching before and after photos, or giving a dental office a test run for your next dental cleaning. Once you find the one, your long search is over!
If you’re looking for the one, or the perfect family dentist in Fort Atkinson for your family, please consider BKS Dental, across the street from Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts near Johnson Bank. Our bright and friendly staff are ready to treat your whole family! Give us a call today at (920) 563-7323 to book an appointment.
