Do you have a family member or a close friend who’s a dentist? Then you might wonder if they may be able to treat you and restore your oral health.
While it’s not explicitly banned in the American Dental Association Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, a lot of dentists actually choose not to provide dental services to their loved ones.
Keep reading this short article to learn why.
Why Some Dentists Don’t Want to Treat Their Loved Ones
A dentist’s responsibility is to provide their patients with the best possible care in order to restore their oral health. However, this can be a bit tricky to do when the patient and the dentist are related or close friends.
Usually, dentists make recommendations regarding treatments, prosthetics, and other services based on the patient’s oral health condition, their smile expectations, and even budget constraints. But when the dentist knows the patient intimately, making objective recommendations can become more difficult.
Moreover, the relationship itself changes the second a family member enters the practice. The dentist would have to set very clear boundaries with their family members just as they would with patients they’re not related to. This can strain relationships, so dentists choose not to treat loved ones.
Should You See a Dentist Who’s Your Friend or Family Member?
That’s entirely up to you. Of course, there are lots of benefits to seeing a dentist who is related to you or a close friend. You may feel more comfortable talking to them about your worries or expectations.
Their services may be more accessible to you or even more affordable. But the best way to decide if you should see a dentist you’re related to is to consider their experience.
Specifically, do they have the right experience to help you restore your oral health or improve your smile’s appearance? Dentists may be trained in several types of procedures, but they don’t necessarily shine in all departments.
Moreover, some types of procedures require a specialist, which a general family dentist might not be able to provide. This can be the case with oral surgery or orthodontists.
But you can always turn to a loved one for recommendations. Since they’re active in the industry, they likely know the names of good specialists in your area you can visit to address your oral health concerns.
How Del Mar Dental Studio Can Help
If you’re in the Del Mar area, Dr. Todd Pizzi is here to help restore your oral health with compassionate and quality dental services.
At Del Mar Dental Studio, you can find a wide variety of services that aim to ensure all your needs are met, from restorative procedures to airway and cosmetic dentistry, periodontal care, and more.
Request a visit to Del Mar Dental Studio online and stop by to get your oral health needs addressed.
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