Factors You Should Consider When Choosing Between a Family and Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

Pediatric dentists may be on the rise in the United States, but family dentists have met the dental needs of families with children for decades. Family dental practices provide gentle and compassionate care to every family member and understand specific needs that children require when it comes to a visit to the dentist. Families in the Griffin, Georgia area seeking a family dental office have come to rely on and trust Dr. Mark Martindale and the friendly team at Martindale Family Dentistry. If a pediatric dentist specializes in children’s dental care, then how do family dentists set themselves apart, and can they meet the needs of your children and family? Let us find out!

Family and Pediatric Dentists ? What is the Difference?

When thinking of pediatric dentistry, it is best to compare a pediatrician who treats children only as opposed to a family dentist, who is comparable to a traditional family doctor who sees every family member. From the youngest family members to the oldest, a family dentist is trained to treat every member. Both family and pediatric dentists receive the same educational degree, a D.D.S. or D.M.D., and receive the same core education via a four-year dental school. The significant difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist lies in the additional training a pediatric dentist receives, specifically on children. If you have a challenging child, seeing a pediatric dentist who has had additional training in child psychology and behavior issues could prove beneficial.

Pediatric Dentists ? What are the Benefits?

As with any medical field, there are both advantages and disadvantages if you decide your child should see a pediatric dentist. Some of these advantages include:

• Pediatric dentists undergo additional training in child behavior, making them specifically equipped to work with children who suffer from dental fear or anxiety and children with special needs.
• Pediatric dental offices employ specific tools in treatment designed just for children.
• Pediatric dentists undergo training in sedation dentistry with a specific focus on applying it to children with extreme dental fears or special needs.

Family Dentists ? What are the Benefits?

While a family dentist may not be specifically trained in pediatric dentistry, they are more than equipped with the knowledge and training necessary to treat your child’s dental needs. A family dentist focuses their attention on the lifelong care of your mouth, from your youngest years through adulthood. Here are some reasons why family dentists remain popular, year in and year out:

• Choosing a dentist your whole family can see makes life much easier. Removing the need to reach out to multiple dentists depending on which member of your family needs care creates a situation that is as convenient as possible. You can bring the entire family in for dental care on the same day when scheduling permits. Additionally, your dentist will be able to build lasting relationships with your whole family.
• A family dentist can establish a history with every family member. They will know what treatments have been required in the past to create a plan for the future that best suits each member of your family.
• Your children will be able to establish a relationship of trust and comfort with your family doctor. They will never have to switch dentists, allowing this relationship to last through the years into adulthood. When you choose a pediatric dentist for your child, they will eventually have to graduate to a new dentist, needing to rebuild this relationship. Having a dentist you can see your entire life, allows them to know the ins and outs of your dental history.

A Dentist for Your Family at Martindale Family Dentistry

At Martindale Family Dentistry, our focus is to provide quality dental care to every member of your family in a calm and soothing atmosphere suitable for all ages. Our entire team works together to ensure you receive quality and safe dental care that will keep you coming back. We love watching our families grow through the years and hope that we can welcome your family into our office soon! Please call 770-637-5876 today to schedule an appointment.