A family dentist is a person you can rely upon for your entire life—from the time your parents take you along for your first check-up until you are well into adulthood. At our family dentist Balwyn, I see a diverse range of age groups—from children to parents and young adults, to the older population.
My clients in Balwyn North have for a long time been a more mature group, but even here, we’re starting to find that it’s a younger population that’s coming through. Young families are moving into the area, and we’re starting to see more children. We’re well-equipped to meet everyone’s dental needs.
Services to expect from a family dentist
Apart from your standard scale and clean, there is a range of treatments and services that families might need from their family dentist. Preventative dentistry is best introduced as early as possible in the younger generation, and parents are the best way to instill good dental habits in their children.
Preventative treatments, such as fissure sealants, are especially important in younger children. As a family dentist, my big area of interest is understanding genetics between generations—between parents and children. The health of the parent can be a marker of the future health of the gums in the children, and it is important for us to try to understand why.
Continuity of care
Continuity of care is incredibly important, not only in medical practice generally but in dentistry. We have an opportunity here in Balwyn, where the demographics are changing, to look after whole families, and this means that the children of these families will grow up with our practice as the family dentist, and will develop trust in and a relationship with our practice that continues into their adult lives. This is beneficial for the sustainability of our practice, and for the ongoing dental health of our clients.
Clients that have continuity of care get to know and trust their health professionals. The family dentist can observe the dental issues and habits of an entire family through several generations. In my case, this gives me a deeper understanding of how to work effectively with you to address your dental health. It allows me to observe genetic predispositions to certain dental conditions, and it also allows me to educate the whole family on good dental habits.
It’s hugely rewarding to be trusted by families in this area with something as important as their children’s dental health, now and in the future.
Disclaimer: Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. Results may vary between individuals. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified practitioner.
NEXT: Teaching kids oral health
About Dr Shawn Rama
Dr Shawn Rama is the Principal Dentist and Founder of The Dental Room, with more than 20 years of experience in general and aesthetic dentistry. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and has undertaken further training in aesthetic dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and dental implants. Dr Shawn is also an accredited Invisalign® Platinum Provider and a member of the Australian Dental Association. He founded The Dental Room in Balwyn North in 2016, creating a boutique practice centred around personalised, considered dental care.
