Family Dentist vs. General Dentist

If you’ve been wondering, “Family dentist or general dentist — what’s the best choice for me?”, at Gateway Dental Care in Pleasanton, CA, we’re here to help. The differences between these specialties is subtle, and marketing can make them difficult to spot. We’re going to break down what these terms mean to help you decide what kind of dentist is right for you.

What Is A General Dentist?

A general dentist is a professional who has graduated from dental school and helps patients maintain a healthy smile. They perform routine cleanings as well as other specialized procedures, such as crowns, veneers, dentures, and root canals. However, general dentists don’t necessarily offer dentistry services for all ages, often leaving families in search of a second dentist for their children.

What Is Family Dentistry?

A family dentist offers the same services as a general dentist and has the same qualifications. What makes a family dentist different isn’t the services provided, but who is treated. Individual practices operate differently, but here are a few characteristics that family dentistry practices share:

• They treat all ages, from children to seniors.
• They focus on patient education.
• They offer multiple dental specialties, creating a one-stop solution.
• You can easily schedule multiple family members at the same time.

The dentist can adapt as your children grow. A family dentist, like Dr. Kitagawa, can better meet your child’s needs since they already know the child’s medical history. Whether they start with the family dentist as toddlers, teenagers, or adults, patients of all ages can enjoy quality care tailored to their needs in a comfortable setting.

Why Choose Us?

At Gateway Dental Care, we combine modern techniques with personalized care. Our head dentist, Dr. Kitagawa, is a mother herself, so she understands the importance of creating pleasant dental visits for children. Our staff is committed to patient education, from teaching children about dental hygiene to making sure adults understand their treatment plans. In addition to routine exams, we offer cosmetic dentistry, comfort dentistry services, and family dental care.

Get Family Dentistry In Pleasanton

If you’re searching for a family dentist in Pleasanton, look no further than Gateway Dental Care. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment. You can also download our patient forms so you can fill them out ahead of time and we can start treating you right away.