The words "family dentist" and "general dentist" are sometimes used interchangeably. After all, the two have many similarities. Both provide comparable dental treatments with the purpose of keeping patients' mouths healthy and preventing illness. They also receive equal amounts of training. So, what's the difference between them?

In truth, there are some important distinctions between family dentists and conventional dentists that you should understand. In this post, we'll explain the distinctions so you can pick the finest dentist for you.

What Is a General Dentist?
The purpose of a general dentist is to keep your mouth healthy. As a result, they provide a variety of services. Your general dentist does routine check-ups, exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, and other restorative operations. They also build personalized dental hygiene strategies to assist avoid the spread of illnesses and tooth decay.

Finally, general dentists are responsible for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health problems. They employ advanced diagnostic tools and intensive training to discover and address issues as soon as feasible. If specialized treatment is required, a general dentist will send you to a specialist.

General dentists have completed an undergraduate degree as well as four years of dental school. In their practice, they opt to target a certain age range. For example, some general dentists refuse to see patients under the age of sixteen.

What Is the Definition of a Family Dentist?
Family dentistry is a subcategory of general dentistry, which also needs a bachelor's degree and four years of dental school. However, family dentists see patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. This implies that a family dentist can take care of your entire family's dental health. There is no need to see many dentists.

Furthermore, family dentists strive to build long-term relationships with their patients and, in many cases, their families. A family dentist can look after your teeth from birth to maturity and into old life.

Family dentists provide the same preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services as general dentists. You can see them for routine exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and other procedures. 

Because family dentistry covers pediatric dentistry as well as dentistry for the elderly, education plays an increasingly important part in their responsibilities. For example, a family dentist teaches kids basic brushing skills. They also show older people how to properly clean their dentures.

Main Distinctions Between General and Family Dentistry
There are some significant distinctions between general and family dentists. Let's look at some of them.

- The age range of their patients is the primary distinction between general and family dentists. A family dentist provides dental treatment to people of all ages. This encompasses newborns, toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, mature people, and the elderly; 

- A general dentist, on the other hand, often exclusively treats young adults and older adults;

- Family dentists may provide extra treatments that differ from their general dental colleagues since they handle patients of a broader age spectrum. A family dentist, for example, may offer orthodontic treatments as well as pediatric and elderly dentistry;

- A family dentist may also place a higher focus on preventative treatment and education owing to the ages of their patients. Young children must be instructed on how to maintain good dental health and understand its value. Additionally, elderly patients must be taught how to care for their teeth (and dentures) as they age.

Should I Visit a General or Family Dentist?
If you're deciding between seeing a general dentist and a family dentist, one important factor to consider is whether you need a dentist for your entire family or just yourself.

The most significant distinction between general and family dentistry is the age range of acceptable patients. General dentists frequently do not accept children under the age of 16. This is not an issue if you do not have children and do not intend to have any.

If you have a family, a family dentist is the best option. Similarly, even if you don't have children yet, you should consider moving to a family dentist if you plan on having them in the future. This enables you to establish a positive relationship with your dentist before your family expands. This enables you to establish a positive relationship with your dentist before your family expands.