When choosing a dentist, there are many options to consider, including the type of practice you want to go to receive services. One option is a dental office, a practice owned and run by a single provider. A dental office can provide many personalized benefits for patients.
Fort Lauderdale Dental Studio is a dental office in Fort Lauderdale. Call us at (954) 462-5252 to see if a dental office is the right fit for you and schedule an appointment.
Dental Office vs. Dental Center
Dental offices are run by a single provider offering traditional dental services, the conventional model many people are familiar with from their childhood. However, dental centers, which have multiple practitioners often covering various specialties, are becoming a growing trend.
One of the appeals of a dental center is the availability of several providers at once. However, this can lead to a more impersonal dentist-patient relationship. One of the benefits of a dental office is knowing who will be providing treatment and developing a level of trust and knowledge. Determining the right type of dental practice will depend on the patient’s needs and other various factors.
“Dental offices are run by a single provider offering traditional dental services.”
The Right Patient for a Dental Office
When determining where to receive dental care, think about what is most important in terms of atmosphere and type of service. A single-provider dental office offers a level of personalized care that cannot be found elsewhere. Patients who desire a warmer relationship with their dentist may benefit from a dental office.
Single-provider offices are more likely to get to know their patients and their specific oral health needs better. When it is time for an appointment, the dentist knows details beyond what is included in the patient chart. If quick, impersonal health care visits are a turnoff, a dental office may be the right option.
“A single-provider dental office offers a level of personalized care that cannot be found elsewhere.”
Benefits of a Dental Office
Dental offices benefit from a smaller staff focused on providing patients with a quality experience. Dentists and their patients have more freedom in how they interact and more leverage in their treatment plans. These patients often trust their dentist more and are more open to treatment recommendations.
Patients are also often given more time in a dental office. Longer appointment times provide the dentist a chance to learn more about the patient’s oral health, overall health history, and fears about treatment. By taking the time to know their patients fully, a dental office can avoid falling victim to a "one size fits all" approach. Sometimes a treatment can be less aggressive or avoided altogether due to the significant advantage of knowing a patient’s long-term oral health history.
A dental office can make sure a patient’s preferences in communication, education, and specialized care are all taken into consideration.
“A dental office can make sure a patient’s preferences in communication, education, and specialized care are all taken into consideration.”
Education Requirements
A dental office is owned and operated by someone who attended four years of dental school after college and is a licensed Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine. This person is responsible for the diagnosis of dental disease and treatment planning for the patient. Individual states also have licensing requirements, which include two exams covering written and clinical components.
Many dentists who manage their own offices also take business courses. The American Dental Association even offers an executive program in dental practice management. Patients who receive services at a dental office can be assured that their provider has the credentials to provide comprehensive treatment.
“A dental office is owned and operated by someone who has attended four years of dental school after college and is a licensed Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the difference between a dental office and a dental center?
Q. What type of patient would benefit from a dental office?
Q. What are the benefits of a dental office?
Q. What are the education requirements to open a dental office?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of having family services in one location?
Q. What services does a general dentist provide?
Q. Why is routine dental care important?
The Dental Office Team
There can be several types of dental professionals working in a given dental office, including the dentist, the dental hygienist (responsible for preventative treatment such as professional cleaning), and the dental assistant (helps the dentist during specific procedures).
Other members of the office staff include the receptionist and office manager who help the practice run smoothly. These staff members assist with check-in, appointment scheduling, billing and other necessary paperwork.
“In a dental office there are typically several types of dental professionals.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a dental office?
A. A dental office is owned and operated by a single provider offering traditional dental services. Since patients only see one provider, this type of office often can provide more personalized services than dental centers staffed by many dentists.
Q. What is a dental center?
A. A dental center has multiple providers working all at the same locations. Sometimes they offer other services above and beyond traditional dental care. Dental centers are often owned by a corporation and offer more chain-style service.
Q. What are the benefits of a dental office?
A. Dental offices benefit from a smaller staff focused on providing patients with a quality experience. You will have a better chance of getting to know your dentist personally, which can create a strong relationship between you and your provider.
Q. Who makes up a dental office team?
A. In addition to the dentist, the dental office staff also includes a hygienist and dental assistant. Other staff includes a receptionist and office manager who help the office run smoothly.
Q. What kind of patient would benefit from a dental office?
A. If you value a one-on-one relationship with your dentist, then a dental office may be the right choice for you. A dental office can often spend more time with patients and provide a level of comfort that can lead to improved treatment.
Dental Terminology
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
- Decay
- Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
- Dental Caries
- Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
- Dental Checkup
- A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
- Dental Filling
- A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
- Dental Prophylaxis
- A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
- Dental Sealants
- Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
- Dentist
- A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Gingivitis
- Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
- Preventive Dentistry
- Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
- Tartar
- Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
- Tooth Enamel
- Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
Learn More About a Dental Office
A dental office offers several benefits for patients seeking a more personalized form of treatment. Call Fort Lauderdale Dental Studio in Fort Lauderdale at (954) 462-5252 to learn more about your oral health needs.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2022
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2022
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2022