It’s no secret that dental care can be pricey, but cost becomes an even bigger concern when multiple family members come into play. Choosing a family dentist instead of a specialist or a different type of practitioner can offer cost-saving advantages as well as convenience, since children and adults can receive care at the same location.
While exact costs will vary depending on the region, insurance, and the type of treatment needed, finding a good family dentist could allow you and your whole family to get quality care for less.
What is a Family Dentist?
A family dentist treats patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. This is in contrast to a pediatric dentist who specializes in children’s dental care or a general dentist who only treats adults over 18.
A family dentist provides routine dental care as well as preventive and restorative treatment at all stages of life. For many, this means going to the same dental office from birth to adulthood!
Family dentist services include:
- Oral hygiene cleanings
- Cavity fillings
- Fluoride treatments and sealants
- Tooth extractions
- Oral cancer screening
- Periodontal treatment
- Root canals
- Guidance about dentures, dental implants, and bridges
- Nightguards for teeth grinding, and mouthguards for sports protection
- Orthodontic care, in some locations
The Financial Benefits of Choosing a Family Dentist
While the dental services themselves might not be cheaper than a general or pediatric dental office, being able to take the whole family to the same practice offers cost-effective perks, such as:
- Fewer days off work, since parents and kids can make appointments on the same day.
- Less travel, since it means not having to make multiple trips to different providers.
- Bundled services, family discounts, or consolidated payment plans, which can save money over time.
In addition, family dental practices have the whole family’s dental records on hand. This makes it easy to detect hereditary dental issues that parents may have had, such as gum disease, enamel weakness, or missing teeth. This can actually save money in the long run by allowing dentists to provide preventive care rather than needing expensive surgeries later in life. Studies have shown that for every dollar spent on preventive dental care, $8 to $50 can be saved in restorative and emergency treatments.
How to Choose an Affordable Family Dentist
Cost isn’t the only factor when choosing the best dentist for your family. Rather than focusing on a price tag for each service, it’s important to consider these other factors when finding a family dentist:
Referrals. One of the best ways to find a dentist that you and your family will love is by asking family, friends, or coworkers for referrals to dentists in your area. If they’ve had a good experience with a dentist, chances are you will too. On the flip side, if they’ve had a less-than-positive experience, you’ll know that, too.
Location. To keep scheduling simple, look for a family dentist located in an area that is convenient for you and your family. Whether it’s near the kids’ school or close to home, this will minimize travel time.
Services Available. Not all family dental practices offer the same services, so you will want to choose an office that can meet your family’s current needs. For instance, if your teen needs braces or Invisalign, now might be a good time to find a family dental practice that provides orthodontics. Or, if you or your spouse is interested in tooth whitening or veneers, look for a family practice that includes cosmetic dentistry.
Insurance and payment options. If you have dental insurance, you’ll want to choose a provider that accepts your insurance. Otherwise, it’s best to find a family dentist who offers payment plans to help keep costs more affordable.
An Honest Family Dentist Will Tell You When It’s Time to See a Specialist
While family dentists are trained to treat general dental issues for patients of all ages, certain treatments or procedures could require care beyond their expertise. For instance, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be needed for complex tooth extractions, root canals, or for treating TMJ. A periodontist may be better equipped to treat severe gum disease, and an oral pathologist will need to be involved if oral cancer is suspected. These are all complex issues that can result in complications (and become more expensive) if not treated by someone who specializes in that area. A great family dentist will know when to refer you to an expert for help, so you get the very best care possible.
To find a family dentist who can treat everyone in your household for years to come, try our
dentist search tool.