1347 Fair Ave | San Antonio, TX 78223-1437 | SE HABLA ESPAÑOL | (210) 533-8191

Choosing the right dentist is vital to maintaining optimal oral health and receiving positive dental care in San Antonio TX.  Family and general dentists are two very well-known and common dental care providers. Both of them are very experienced in handling a wide range of dental procedures.  The services of these two options are almost similar but there are some differences. Family dentists provide comprehensive dental care services for your family members of all ages.  

On the other hand, general dentists focus especially on adult patients.  Older children and teenagers are also included in their dental care. Understanding the distinctions between family dentists and general dentists can help you make an informed decision about which type of dental care provider is best suited for you and your family. 

For any inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us at (210) 533-8191

“We value your feedback! If you’ve visited us, please take a moment to leave a review on our Google My Business page: Leave a Review. Your input helps us improve and serve you better!”

 

General and Family Dentistry meaning: Need to know

What is a General Dentist?

A general dentist is a dental professional who specializes in dental health.  A general dentist is especially skilled in treating patients of all ages.   In treating adult patients, they have the main goal or they organize their treatment plan.  Services provided by a general dentist include routine checkups, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, and basic cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening.   Apart from this, they provide specialized treatment as per the needs and requirements of the patients.

What is a Family Dentist?

A family dentist is a dental professional who provides comprehensive health care services to people of all ages in a family, from young children to seniors.  While a pediatric dentist treats only children, a family dentist specializes in ensuring the treatment of all members of the family.  Since it is necessary to ensure the treatment of all members of the family from small to large, these family dentists are very experienced in various dental care services.  This Holistic approach allows families to receive consistent and continuous Dental Care in one place.

 

Key Differences between General and Family Dentists

General Dentist

Focus and Training: General dentists are specially trained to provide dental care services mainly to adults and sometimes older teenagers.  They focus on providing adult dental care including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.

Patient Demographics: Specially treats adults.  Many people limit their treatment to specific age groups and issues.

Services Offered: Provides different types of services.  Preventive care includes cleaning, exams, and fluoride treatment.  Restorative services include fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures.  cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding.  periodontal care for treating gum diseases.

Practice Focus: General Dentistry requires a specialist focus like cosmetic dentistry or endodontics.

 

Focus and Training: A family dentist is specially trained to provide medical care to all members of the family.  This treatment includes everyone from young children to seniors in the family.  This sector has a separate focus on treating children.

Patient Demographics: All types of patients are treated from infants to elderly individuals.  The biggest advantage of a family dentist is that it provides continuous family treatment plans, often treating multiple generations within the same family.

Services Offered: With a family dentist you get all the benefits you get with a general dentist, plus specialized pediatric care.  You will get special preventive care for children such as dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and child-friendly cleaning.  Children’s tooth and jaw growth monitoring services. Also, get emergency dental care for patients of all ages.

Practice Focus: Family dentistry mainly focuses on ensuring medical care for all members of the entire family.   Family dentists always try to maintain a long-term relationship with the family, providing continuous and consistent care.

Key Differences

Patient Age Range:  General dentists provide treatment to adults in terms of age.  On the other hand, family dentists are very skilled in providing various complex dental treatments to children.  Apart from children, they provide treatment to all family members.

Continuity of Care:  General dentists treat only the individual but don’t want to know any family history.  On the other hand, family dentists treat all members of the family for a long time, so they know the history of family diseases, so it is easy to provide treatment and can plan the treatment year after year.

Practice Approach: General dentistry provides specific dental services and age group focus.  On the other hand, family dentists take a holistic and inclusive approach to ensuring dental health for every family member, regardless of age.

Specialized Pediatric Care: General dentistry does not provide pediatric treatment and these doctors refer to pediatric specialists.  On the other hand, in Family dentistry, children are treated and treated according to their needs.  These doctors are skilled in handling complex problems in children.

Related Article:

Common General Dentistry Services in San Antonio

What are Cosmetic Dental Procedures?

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between general dentists?

A: General dentists provide treatment to adults in terms of age.  On the other hand, family dentists are very skilled in providing various complex dental treatments to children.  Apart from children, they provide treatment to all family members.

Q: Can a dentist treat his family?

A: Yes, a dentist can treat any member of his family with dental problems, especially if he is a family dentist.

Q: What does a general dentist do

A: A general dentist is especially skilled in treating patients of all ages.   In treating adult patients, they have the main goal or they organize their treatment plan.  Services provided by a general dentist include routine checkups, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, and basic cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening.