Picking a Provider: Why Visit a Family Dentist?

July 7, 2025

Little girl held by parents shaking dentist's hand

Although the American Dental Association recommends having a checkup and cleaning every six months, only about 45% of the U.S. population sees their provider annually, according to some sources. Unfortunately, if you don’t feel like you have a trustworthy dentist you can count on, you might avoid everything potentially smile-saving care.

If you or your loved ones are on the market for a new provider and are unsure what type of dentist to see, continue reading to learn 3 excellent reasons to consider booking an appointment with a family practitioner!

Perk #1: Variety of Services

All dentists must meet specific criteria to be licensed to practice, like achieving an advanced dental doctorate degree and completing different trainings and certifications. However, that doesn’t mean each provider has the same exact set of skills and experience.

For example, some dentists devote their lives to focusing on one or two advanced topics, like oral surgery or placing dental implants. Meanwhile, family dentists typically have a well-rounded background to meet the needs of people of all ages. That means they often offer a more comprehensive menu of services and are likely to have helpful solutions to improve your oral health, whatever the reason for your visit.

Perk #2: Convenient Scheduling

If you’re the parent or guardian of one or more children or teenagers, then you know how challenging it can be to ensure everyone gets to school, work, or extracurricular activities on time. Trying to make room in your busy schedule for dental appointments is hard enough when you’re not also navigating your children’s routines at the same time.

Fortunately, family dentists are often quite familiar with the unique concerns that come with caring for your entire crew, like booking visits at convenient times. Instead of having to book separate visits with a pediatric dentist, your provider can schedule you and your family at similar times. That way, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your entire family is cared for without needing to make multiple trips for routine services.

Perk #3: Family History

Many family dentists take pride in establishing lasting relationships with their patients, which can benefit you and your loved ones later one. For instance, some people are genetically disposed to develop certain dental conditions, like cavities, gum disease, or certain types of discoloration.

If you’re seeing the same dentist as your parents or their parents before them, then your provider already has an idea of what types of concerns to look out for. This can help them identify and treat areas of concern before they have a chance to develop.

Your family dentist can help your entire crew with everything from standard preventive care to more complex services!

About the Practice

Patients at North Garland Family Dental benefit from two providers who are passionate about helping people of all ages improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. Dr. Vazquez and Dr. Peterson share decades of combined experience and offer a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location. They take the time to get to know your unique goals and concerns, then utilize advanced technology to tailor treatment plans to meet your needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 385-4366.