A family dentist cares for patients across all generations -- from infants to grandparents -- offering continuity, trust, and day-to-day understanding of each patient's oral health needs. To support parents in making informed decisions, San Luis Obispo dentist Douglas Ng, DDS, has released a concise guide to selecting the right family dental provider.

A family dentist provides ongoing dental care for people at every stage of life. Establishing a long-term relationship with a family dentist means receiving treatment from someone who understands the dental history, concerns, hereditary conditions, and general health considerations of each family member. While choosing a dentist to accompany a family through the years may seem overwhelming, it does not have to be. To help simplify the process, San Luis Obispo family dentist Douglas Ng, DDS, has released a short guide for parents evaluating family dental practices.

Other important benefits that come from long-term relationships with a family dentist include:

* Helping children feel safe and confident because they know and trust their family dentist.

* Positive influence on helping children and teens establish solid oral hygiene habits and understand any dental challenges they may be having. The San Luis Obispo family dentist works closely with every patient, of every age, to overcome the anxiety often associated with a dentist visit.

* Working with a professional who knows the dental history of every member of the family, including unique or hereditary conditions and special concerns.

* A professional who knows the health challenges individual family members face and how those challenges can affect dental health as well as overall health.

* Knowledge of family histories that enable the family dentist to make recommendations based on each individual's dental needs.

When choosing a family dentist, consider:

* Education and ongoing training. Dental science changes as technology advances. Choosing a dentist who stays abreast of the latest advancements ensures every family member has access to the most advanced dentistry for the best outcomes.

* Referrals from friends and family. People are more inclined to recommend a dentist with whom they have had positive experiences. Check online referrals, too.

* Check out local dentist websites for information, too.

* Check the state dental board records for the dentists' good standing.

* Make an appointment to get acquainted and ask questions such as: How is anxiety handled? What technologies do you use?

* Which insurances do you accept? Describe a typical first visit for children and teens.

* How long have you been practicing?

* What specialties caught your attention in college?

* Who would you refer me to for a specialty you don't practice?

The questions you ask are to satisfy your curiosity and help you make an informed decision, so it's important to ask.

Family dentistry, like Dr Ng's San Luis Obispo family dentist practice, offers preventive dentistry for establishing life-long habits for good oral health, comprehensive examinations, and thorough consultations to help parents make informed decisions about their children's teeth. The restorative services offered include crowns, bridges, inlays, extractions, root canals, dentures, and restorative procedures for broken teeth of all ages. A variety of dental care for brighter smiles is available, along with emergency dental care.

Because family dentistry serves patients of all ages, most practices offer a broad range of preventive and restorative treatments. These may include regular check-ups, oral hygiene guidance, teeth cleaning, fillings, crowns, extractions, whitening, bonding, laser dentistry, and care for gum disease. Many also provide niche services such as orthodontics or surgical procedures.

Due to the scope of care provided, family dentists must have a strong general foundation across all core areas of dentistry. Even when referring patients to specialists, a family dentist needs in-depth knowledge of advanced treatments, including oral surgery, implants, dentures, and the early signs of serious conditions such as oral cancer.

source:newsreleases.co.uk