Visit the facilities and staff of Maple Family Dentistry today at 2535 Major Mackenzie Drive Suite 211 Maple, ON, or visit us online at http://www.maplefamilydentistry.com/ to learn more.

1. The Advantages of A
General Dentist Over A
Specialist

2. When to Choose a General
Dentist Over a Specialist
Having a tooth ache, damaged or missing
teeth or sore gums can be an extremely
painful and uncomfortable experience. That
is why caring for your teeth and having
regular dental examinations is important to
your oral and general health.

3. However, you may be faced with the
decision whether to see a general dentist
versus a specialist. While both dental
providers play a key role in your oral health,
there are pluses in seeing one over the other.
The advantages of a general oral health
provider over a specialist are usually based
on the complexity and types of treatments
and procedures and the knowledge and skill
sets required.

4. General Dental Health Provider
vs. a Specialist
A doctor who works in general dentistry is
qualified to do basic dental care. Unlike a
specialist, who covers a narrow field of
dentistry, the general dental health provider
delivers a range of services, procedures and
treatments that do not require specialized
skills. The main differences between these
two types of oral health providers are the
scope of care, responsibilities, the level of
skills and knowledge and years of study.

5. Advantages of a General Dentist
Over a Specialist
Both the general and specialist oral health
providers deliver essential oral health care
and treatment to patients. However, there are
many benefits to seeing a general dental
health provider over a specialist. Some
advantages are as follows…

6. Advantages of a General Dentist
Over a Specialist
● Not all oral problems need specialist care, since
many dental treatments are routine in nature
● Costs for treatments are much less and more
competitive and many services may be covered by
health insurance
● Having more experience in performing basic dental
procedures and being better equipped to give general
and routine oral diagnosis, treatment and care

7. Advantages of a General Dentist
Over a Specialist
● Being able to refer patients to a specialist for
complex procedures that need more knowledge and
skill
● Availability of early appointments and less waiting
time since more doctors practice general dentistry
● Having a primary care oral health provider at your
disposal who works with other dental professionals.

8. General Dentistry Services and
Procedure
The care and treatment that your general
oral health provider delivers cover a range of
services. These include…

9. General Dentistry Services and
Procedures
● Performing regular check-ups, diagnosis and
treatment of oral diseases
● Examining gum and teeth using x-rays and other
diagnostic equipment
● Evaluating oral health and treating gum disease and
missing, damaged or disfigured teeth
● Providing a range of treatments, such as
extractions, fillings, root canals, cleanings, scaling,
polishing and bleaching

10. General Dentistry Services and
Procedures
● Designing, fixing and installing dentures, bridges
and crowns
● Administering local anesthetic and prescribing
medications
● Providing referrals to specialists for second opinion
and educating patients on oral health and preventive
care

11. The role of the general dental health
provider is to examine, diagnose and treat
oral problems and diseases. This also
involves keeping informed about cutting-edge
developments and techniques in dentistry.
With new technology and procedures,
general dental providers are better equipped
to offer more effective patient care. Knowing
the benefits of having a general dental health
provider over a specialist is a big help when
selecting a dentist.

12. Further Information….
Visit the facilities and staff of
Maple Family Dentistry today at 2535 Major
Mackenzie Drive Suite 211 Maple, ON, or
visit us online at
http://www.maplefamilydentistry.com/ to learn
more.