General Dentist Lawrenceville, GA
Regular visits to a general dentist are essential to maintaining oral health and overall well-being. A general dentist is a qualified provider of essential dental care for patients of all ages. These dental professionals can help prevent dental diseases and educate people on practicing good dental hygiene at home.
Receive quality, comprehensive care from a general dentist at Lawrenceville Dental Associates in Lawrenceville and the surrounding area. Our team can help keep your smile beautiful and healthy. Call us today at (770) 796-4236 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Differences Between DDS and DDM
Finding the right general dentist is just as important as finding the right general physician. Clients need to feel comfortable enough with the professional to express their wants and concerns while trusting the dentist completely for the care of their teeth. A general dentist is much like a primary care dentist who can provide all the essential needs of standard oral health care. During your search for a general dentist, you are bound to come across two standard abbreviations: DDS and DDM. What are the differences between the two? Is one more qualified than the other? The short answer is no.
According to the American Dental Association, the only difference between a DDS and DDM is a single letter. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, while DDM stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both types of dentists complete the same curriculum and receive the same education. That education generally includes three or more years of undergraduate study plus four years of dental school. State licensing boards regard both degrees as equal, and both degrees allow individuals to practice within the scope of general dentistry.
“…the only difference between a DDS and DDM is a single letter. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, while DDM stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine.”
Types of Services the General Dentist Performs
Unlike dental specialists who focus on a particular aspect of dentistry, general dentists provide a range of services that are vital to continued health. According to WebMD, these general dental practitioners provide primary dental care to diagnose, treat, and meet patients' oral health needs. Most of the care that general dentists provide is preventative.
Preventative care is key to helping patients maintain oral health and may include routine dental check-ups and education on proper oral hygiene techniques and nutrition. General dentists may also offer certain restorative services to fix damaged or decayed teeth and restore their function. Some cosmetic treatments may also be available to improve the appearance of a smile. Patients should contact our team to learn about our available services.
“Preventative care is key to helping patients maintain oral health and may include services such as routine dental check-ups and education on proper oral hygiene techniques and nutrition.”
General Dentist Qualifications
General dentists are qualified to take care of patients of all ages. This makes them a convenient option for parents who would like the whole family treated at one practice location. Children and adults should have regular dental exams at six-month intervals to encourage good oral health. Depending on their oral health status, some patients may need to have dental appointments more often.
Dentists list their postgraduate degrees after their names as a way to identify their credentials. Most dentists are listed as DDS, which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Other dentists have the credentials DMD, which is the Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine. Although the names are different, both DDS and DMD are postgraduate degrees that require an additional four years of training at an accredited dental school.
“General dentists can take care of patients of all ages.”
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The Difference Between DDS and DMD
Children of all ages can have regular dental appointments with a general dentist. Although it might seem early, the sooner children have regular dental checkups, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives. These check-ups help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to pain and other complications.
Asking questions during appointments with a general dentist is an important part of long-term healthcare. Patients can ask questions about the frequency of check-ups, best oral hygiene practices, and preventing tooth decay and other problems. Dental health varies for each patient. Our team works with each patient to determine the best way to meet their needs.
“Children of all ages can have regular dental appointments with a general dentist.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What services does a general dentist provide?
Q. Who is a general dentist qualified to treat?
Q. What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?
Q. When will a general dentist refer someone to a specialist?
Q. What is the difference between a DDS and DDM?
People Also Ask
Q. Why is routine dental care important?
Q. How can someone find out what procedures their dental insurance covers?
Referrals From a General Dentist
General dentists receive comprehensive training for a range of treatments. However, they do not have the experience or training to treat more specialized dental problems. Even if a general dentist cannot treat the issue directly, they can still help diagnose a patient and refer them to the appropriate dental professional. Some problems that may require a referral include:
- Crooked teeth
- Gum disease
- Jaw misalignment
- Root canals
- Tooth replacement
“Even if a general dentist cannot treat the issue directly, they can still help diagnose a patient and refer them to the appropriate dental professional.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why do individuals need to visit a general dentist?
A. Regular dental visits are vital for both oral health and overall physical health. Routine dental care helps prevent tooth decay, protects against gum disease, and creates the foundation for a strong, healthy smile that will last. It also protects against bad breath and helps maintain good oral hygiene.
Q. How can patients overcome apprehension about general dentist visits?
A. Dental phobia is completely normal. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 75% of adults in the US live with this anxiety. Dentists are aware of this issue and have developed techniques to help patients feel more confident during visits. Your comfort is our top priority, so if you feel even the slightest discomfort, let our practitioners know. We will always take additional measures to make you feel more at home.
Q. When should parents take children to the general dentist?
A. You will want to schedule your children's dental visits every six months just as you do the adults in the family. Set a positive tone for your children and help them look forward to dental appointments. Make sure to choose a kid-friendly dentist with experience treating children.
Q. Do people still need to visit the general dentist if their teeth feel fine?
A. Yes, individuals should maintain biannual dental visits even when teeth feel fine. Unfortunately, teeth or gums may develop issues without patient awareness, but a trained professional can spot these problems right away. In addition, regular dental visits keep teeth looking white, healthy and beautiful.
Q. Why does a general dentist recommend flossing?
A. Brushing is not enough. Flossing helps to remove the minuscule particles between the teeth where the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach. Without flossing, plaque can remain between the teeth, which can eventually develop into tartar.
Q. What can patients do to prevent cavities between visits to the general dentist?
A. For starters, brush and floss at least twice a day. Keep sugar to a minimum and be wary of sticky foods that can remain on teeth for long periods of time, such as peanut butter and bananas. Rinse the mouth with water after eating to help remove food from the teeth and chew sugarless gum.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
A general dentist offers comprehensive dental care to maintain healthy teeth at any age. Our team at Lawrenceville Dental Associates can provide you with the dental care you deserve. Call us today at 770-796-4236 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
About our business and website security
- Lawrenceville Dental Associates was established in 1972.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, Grayson, and Dacula
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Welcome To Lawrenceville Dental Associates
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Lawrenceville, GA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Teeth Whitening, Dental Crowns, Dental Fillings, Gum Disease Treatment and Implant Crowns.
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