Going to the dentist is a requirement for maintaining good oral health. According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people. The best way to avoid them is by scheduling regular visits to the dentist, but this is easier said than done when you have a family to raise. You likely have to juggle many appointments at once. However, things are made a lot easier when you have a dependable family dentist. Regardless of age, family dentists can handle everyone's needs. Read on to see what you should look for when hiring one.

1. Experience

You want a family dental practitioner who has a good amount of experience dealing with different patients. Someone who has been practicing for many years understands what it's like to handle the dental care of people of various generations. They may be more flexible in providing for the dental needs of your family and others. The right experience can allow them to answer your questions and concerns quickly and efficiently. A good rule of thumb is to look for a practice that's been open for at least two years. This is a good indication that they've had patients come back!

2. Accessibility

Even if you're just making appointments for yourself, you want a dentist that is as accessible as possible. In the case of a family dentist, this is even more important. When dealing with the needs of a whole household, you want somebody who has enough office hours to accommodate different schedules. Accessibility is also important when it comes to location. Do you want to drive over an hour to see the dentist? Is it convenient for you, the kids, or your spouse? These are all things to consider when looking at family dentists.

3. Services

Does your family dentist have other specialties or extra services? Can patients get teeth whitening, dentures, or good referrals for implants? What about emergency care? Kids often fall and have accidents. If there is a dental emergency, can your practitioner handle it during odd hours or at least within a short timeframe? You'll want to ensure you find someone who can handle all of your needs.

Choosing a dentist involves many considerations for you and the whole family. You want someone who is experienced and available, and who provides services that you and your family need. Our local family dentists are ready to assist you at any time, so contact Willow Cove Dental to discuss scheduling an appointment.