Tired of driving all over town to not only make it to your dental appointment but also your child’s? Want someone with extensive knowledge, skills, and can meet the needs of everyone in your family? Want to feel confident knowing you and your teenager are getting the same high-quality treatment? Finding the right family dentist isn’t always easy, and you certainly don’t want to choose the first one who comes up in an online search. It often takes time, patience, and willingness to do ample research to determine who is right for you and your loved ones. Read on to learn what criteria you should consider when identifying the ideal dental professional for your family.
Extensive Experience
When it comes to treating children, teens, and adults, a family dentist should be able to address all types of problems and situations. A child’s smile is far different than their parent’s and will often require additional treatments to assist in the growth and development of their oral and facial structures. A teenager may require orthodontic treatment to address a misaligned bite or gapped teeth. And an adult who has missing teeth might require dental implants to rebuild and restore their smile. Finding a professional who can take care of everyone’s needs at various stages of life is a sign you’ve found a qualified candidate.
Client Testimonials and Reviews
If you’re like most people, online reviews speak volumes. Before booking a hotel room, visiting a family-friend hot-spot, or even selecting a dentist for your family, you will find it beneficial to read the testimonials and reviews of those who have used their services. You will most likely find these on the dentist’s social media pages and Google. Some dentists even include a smile gallery or client testimonials on their website, which is certainly worth researching. This will give you a clearer idea as to how others view a particular dental professional and what you can expect as a prospective client.
Comprehensive Services Offered
If you want to avoid finding a separate dentist for different types of dental services, you’ll want to opt for someone who believes in the importance of offering a multitude of services under one roof. The right family dentist will be able to provide a wide range of comprehensive services. From regular dental checkups and cleanings, putting braces on your teen, offering dental sealants and fluoride treatment to your school-aged child, and performing a root canal on your own troublesome tooth, their services should encompass all types of dentistry, even cosmetic and emergency services.
Welcoming Atmosphere
Finding a family dentist who offers a warm, welcoming, fun, and exciting dental office is important, especially if you have children. No one wants to walk into an office that is drab, cold, and uninviting. Make sure they offer amenities that will please everyone in your family. You’ll also want to make sure both the dentists and staff members are personable and compassionate, as your child will likely want an individual who listens carefully and makes oral hygiene fun. You can always request a tour if you and your family would like to see and learn more about a particular dental office.
By keeping these pieces of criteria in mind when searching, you’ll soon find the right family dentist who can improve and maintain everyone’s smiles for a lifetime.
About the Authors
Dr. Venn Peterson attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry, graduating in 2000. Practicing in Lacey since 2001, he and his colleague, Dr. Spenser Cammack, who earned his dental education at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, want to help you and your loved ones maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. As family dentists, they are able to offer necessary care to patients of all ages, making them a convenient option for busy parents in search of a one-stop-shop type of practice. If you and your family want to learn more about our available services and how we can help you, call our office at (360) 459-4420.