Family Dentist Whittier, CA
If you are trying to find one dental office that can treat both you and your family, a family dentist can simplify everything. Many patients are unsure whether they need different providers for children and adults, but in most cases, one practice can comfortably care for all ages.
A family dentist provides preventive care, routine treatment, and long-term dental guidance for patients at every stage of life. At Bailey Family Dental - Brian Choi, DMD - Whittier, CA, we make it easy to keep your entire family on track with care in one place, often with flexible scheduling for multiple appointments. Call our office today at (562) 698-8739 to make an appointment.
The Philosophy of Family Dentistry
Family dentists work with both children and adults to care for these patients as they grow and change. These dentists emphasize patient involvement by providing accessible, continuous, patient-centered, and comprehensive care. The hallmarks of many family dentistry practices include services that benefit patients at all stages of life, such as:
- Accessibility for children, senior citizens, and other age groups
- Appointment availability the same day or in a few days, especially for emergencies or urgent care needs
- Dentists who are easy to talk to
- Dentists who focus on prevention and treatment
- Multiple appointments at the same time or close together
- Multiple dentists representing general dentistry and, sometimes, various specialties
- Possible flexible payment options
“Family dentists work with both children and adults to care for these patients as they grow and change.”
Understanding Family Dentistry
Family dentists make a point of getting to know their patients. They encourage regular checkups and catch emerging issues such as cavities. They provide continuity of care even if patients do not see the same professional on each visit.
Personal insight: In my experience, patients who stay with the same dentist long-term tend to have more consistent care and fewer major issues over time because small problems are caught early.
Information such as medical histories, diagnoses, and treatment plans are less likely to fall through any cracks. Centralized paperwork and familiarity with medical history also help dentists pinpoint and treat various oral health issues. This is one reason many patients prefer to stay with a single general dentist in Whittier for long-term care.
“Centralized paperwork and familiarity with medical history also help dentists pinpoint and treat various oral health issues.”
Age Groups Treated by Family Dentistry
Parents and caregivers are busy, and family dentists make their lives easier. Scheduling appointments for multiple family members in one place reduces time and stress.
Personal insight: I often see families who initially go to different offices eventually consolidate into one practice simply because it is easier to stay consistent with care.
This approach helps ensure that both children and adults receive regular dental attention without the need to manage multiple providers.
“Parents and caregivers are busy, and family dentists make their lives easier.”
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Needs Treated by Family Dentistry
A family dentist can practice alone, but some partner with other dentists. Whatever the case, a family dentist treats various needs. Patients often turn to their family dental practice for checkups, cleanings, and preventative dental care, along with cavity prevention and treatment, tooth decay deterrence, and gum disease prevention. Some practices may even provide orthodontic services, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and other types of specialized dentistry. When necessary, family dentists refer patients to specialized dentists for other types of treatment.
“Patients often turn to their family dental practice for checkups, cleanings, cavity prevention and treatment, tooth decay deterrence, and gum disease prevention.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why should I see a family dentist?
Q. What age groups do family dentists treat?
Q. What needs can family dentists treat?
Q. What is the first appointment with a family dentist like?
People Also Ask
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. What makes a kid friendly dentist unique?
Q. Can sealants protect against cavity-forming bacteria?
Q. Why does the dentist use fluoride mouthwash in the cleaning?
What to Know About the First Appointment With a Family Dentist
Your first visit will typically include a dental checkup and a complete evaluation of your oral health, allowing us to identify any concerns early and create a clear plan moving forward. This will involve a dental exam and updated X-rays.
Personal insight: These first visits are important because they establish a baseline and often reveal issues that patients are not yet aware of.
X-rays are particularly essential as they can diagnose and evaluate any potential issues that an exam cannot detect. Bailey Family Dental - Brian Choi, DMD - Whittier, CA will also perform a thorough dental cleaning as part of the first visit. Then, once completed, our team will discuss any X-ray results and devise a customized treatment plan to meet each patient's unique needs.
“A patient’s first visit to a family dentist will consist of a thorough physical examination to assess their needs and current dental health.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can a family dentist fit my child with braces?
A. You can find that information on each practice's website or by calling the office. However, a family group without an orthodontist may refer children to the appropriate orthodontic professionals. For example, our practice can provide recommendations to an orthodontist in the city to better help your needs.
Q. Do family dentists see children and adults with disabilities?
A. Many do. However, it is best to check with the office before making an appointment. For example, in a practice with multiple dentists, just one or two may handle patients with certain disabilities.
Q. What is the age range for a family dentist's patients?
A. Family dentists treat most ages, caring for both children and senior citizens. If the practice includes a pediatric dentist, it might accept infant patients. Otherwise, a family dentist tends to see children once they are in kindergarten.
Q. Can a family dentist treat cavities?
A. Most likely, yes. However, if the cavity is severe enough, family dentists may need to refer patients elsewhere for more specialized care. Regular checkups with your family dentist can help prevent cavities.
Q. How often do people visit their family dentist?
A. In general, each patient should visit once or twice a year. Dentists prefer to see children every six months. Meanwhile, adults with teeth in excellent condition might visit only once a year. People who are pregnant, undergoing chemotherapy, or dealing with serious health issues may need to visit their dentist more frequently than twice a year. We can help determine your unique risk profile.
Q. Is a family dentist the same as a general dentist?
A. They are not necessarily the same, although both types of dentists can be primary care providers. A family dental practice offers general dentistry services for most ages. A pedodontist, periodontist, or another specialist can work for a family practice as part of a comprehensive care approach. On the other hand, a general dentistry practice focuses only on the patients' overall oral health needs. It may not always take a family-friendly approach. For example, a general dentist might not have multiple appointments available at the same time or a waiting room that caters to various age groups.
Q. Should I choose a family dentist or a general dentist?
A. In most cases, a general dentist already provides care for patients of all ages. The most important factor is choosing a practice that offers consistent, comfortable care for your entire family.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More About Family Dentists
Family dentist services save families time and provide high-level continuity of care. Call Bailey Family Dental - Brian Choi, DMD - Whittier, CA at 562-698-8739 to schedule an appointment in Whittier and discuss your preferences for a family dental practice.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Bailey Family Dental – Brian Choi, DMD – Whittier, CA was established in 2020.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles County, and Orange County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Whittier, La Mirada, Santa Fe Springs, La Habra, Hacienda Heights, Pico Rivera, Downey, Buena Park, Rowland Heights and City of Industry
- CA (License #61926). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1811276025). View NPI Registry Information
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