Children’s dental services are important to health
What are the dental options?
Types of Children’s Dental Services
Children’s dental services can indicate a different ownership or treatment structure:
Dental schools, for instance, often refer to their dental services as “children’s dental clinics”. These dental schools are associated with nearby Universities or colleges. At these academically affiliated clinics the dental students and residents provide supervised care to patients.
Locally owned children’s dental practices are probably the most common dental services. These practices might have multiple dentists and multiple locations in a specific geography. The dentists live and work in the same area as where they provide services.
Corporate owned dental clinics are becoming more and more prominent. These are systems or chains of kid dental services owned by larger businesses or investors.
Topics to explore related to Children’s Dentistry
Children’s Dental Services: What’s the difference between a Clinic and Dental Practice?
If you are considering a children’s dentist, it helps to know the dental service options. Dental practices can range from solo practices, where a single dentist provides services, to larger group practices with multiple dental professionals and support staff. These dental services can be privately owned or owned by larger organizations.
On the other hand, a dental clinic is often part of a larger healthcare organization, such as a hospital, government health service, or college.
Children’s Dental Service Comparisons
Excellent services and care can be found at both Children’s Dental Clinics and Dental Practices. There are differences, however, which the below graphic shows.1 2
| Compare Dental Clinics and Dental Practices | ||
| Dental Clinics | Dental Practices | |
| Scope of Services | Generally focus on basic and essential dental care, including cleanings, extractions, root canals, and emergency treatments. They may not offer as wide a range of services, especially cosmetic procedures. | Typically offer a broader range of services, including both essential care and cosmetic dentistry (e.g., tooth whitening, braces, cosmetic procedures). |
| Continuity of Care | Patients may see different dentists or hygienists on each visit, which can make it challenging to establish a long-term relationship. | Patients usually see the same dentist and staff, allowing for more personalized, continuous care and familiarity with the patient’s dental history. |
| Environment | May have a more clinical, hospital-like setting. | Often designed to provide a more comfortable, personalized environment. |
| Focus | Often prioritize addressing immediate dental health needs and serving a high volume of patients. | Tend to focus on long-term oral health care and building lasting relationships with patients. |
| Wait Times and Appointments | May have longer wait times due to serving a higher volume of patients, often on a walk-in basis. | Generally operate on an appointment basis, resulting in shorter wait times. |
| Cost | Often provide lower-cost or free services, making them more accessible for those with limited budgets. | May have higher costs but often offer more flexible financing options and accept various insurance plans. |
| Educational Component | Some are associated with dental schools and may involve student dentists under supervision, contributing to dental education. | Typically staffed by experienced professionals without an educational component. |
Children’s dental services can be provided in a variety of ways. Both dental practice and dental clinics likely provide excellent care. Dental clinics often focus on essential, low-cost services for a broader population, while dental practices offer more comprehensive, personalized care in a private setting.
Great Smiles Children’s Dentistry
Asheville Peds | Asheville Ortho | Sylva | Waynesville | North Asheville | Marion
The above information is provided by Great Smiles, the leading children’s dentist practice in Western North Carolina. We are dedicated to fostering healthy habits and bright smiles for years to come.