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What is a Family Dentist?

A family dentist is simply that, a dentist for your family. A family dentistry practice is one that serves each member of your family, from the youngest infant to the oldest retiree. Family dentists have all of the training and the skills that a “regular” dentist would have, but as time goes by, they also have the expertise based on knowing a patient’s dental, dietary and health history, enabling them to make the best, most informed decisions for a patient’s dental care.

Family dentists must receive accreditation from a dental school backed by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Dental school admissions can be very competitive. Good grades are not the only considerations toward receiving admissions to these dental schools. Personal interviews are conducted, and students must take a test called the DAT, the Dental Admissions Test. This rigorous application process helps to ensure that those who are working on your teeth have all the training and skills that are needed to provide the best, safest care for you and your smile.

After being admitted to a dental college, your family dentist had two options: pursuing a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS). Both the DMD and the DDS degrees are four-year degrees; they involved two years in natural science and clinical instruction taking place in classrooms and laboratories. These two years of practical training are followed by another two years of “hands-on” training in dental clinics under the observation of already accredited and experienced dentists in dental offices.

Your family dentist may have gone directly into dental practice following this four year degree, but some choose to pursue specialist degrees. These fields of specialization include oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics or periodontics. Any professional family dentist will continue to receive continuing education to ensure that he or she is up-to-date on the latest achievements and advancements in dental technology.

If you have questions about what your family dentist can do for you and for your family, schedule a consultation today with Shreveport family dentists Dr. Cooper and Dr. Banker. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the certification and training your family dentist possesses.

Our dental office is located in Shreveport