Between school, soccer games, and dance lessons, kids and their parents lead busy lives. This makes finding the right dentist an important task, as they’ll ensure your family’s oral health doesn’t take a back seat to their busy schedules. Whether you’re evaluating your current dental provider or looking for a new practice entirely, there are several qualities any good family dentist should have.

What Qualities to Look for In Your Family Dentist

1. Experience & Ongoing Training

A degree in dentistry doesn’t mean much if a dentist doesn’t have the experience and ongoing training to back it up. To maintain most licenses and certifications, dentists are required to obtain a minimum number of hours of continuing education courses throughout the year. The best dental providers go above and beyond that number and provide ongoing educational opportunities for their dental hygienists and assistants.

2. Variety of Services

A dental practice that offers a wide range of services will likely be able to handle the oral health needs of your entire family. This means you won’t have to see a specialist if your child needs braces or your teen needs their wisdom teeth removed. Look for a family dentist that offers basic treatments, like teeth cleanings and exams, as well as more advanced procedures, like tooth extractions, teeth whitening, and dental veneers.

3. Welcoming Atmosphere

You and your family should always feel welcome when you walk into your dentist’s office. The dentists and their staff should make you feel comfortable the entire time you’re there. If the staff at the front desk doesn’t offer a warm and friendly greeting, chances are the dentist won’t either. The more comfortable you and your family are in the office, the easier it is to go in for your regular appointments.

4. Flexible Scheduling

Flexibility is key for busy families. One of the greatest benefits of seeing a family dentist is the ability to schedule back-to-back appointments. That way, if the kids have a half-day at school, they can both get teeth cleanings during their afternoon off. When looking for a new provider, find out if they offer emergency dental care. This is especially important for families with young athletes who are at risk for dental injuries.

5. Focus on Patient Education

For patients to achieve the best oral health possible, dentists need to educate their patients—young and old—on how to properly care for their teeth and gums. A family dentist and their dental hygienists should demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as educate patients on how their diet and other factors can affect their oral health.

If you’re looking for the best dentist in Hamilton, OH, for your family, look no further than Charles P. Debbane, DDS. Drs. Charles P. Debbane and Laura M. Arnold have provided families in the area with the quality dental care they need for more than 20 years. They offer a range of services and flexible scheduling, which you can learn more about on their website. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (513) 887-6654.