Did you know that 36% of Americans don’t visit the dentist at least once every year? Experts recommend people visit a dental professional twice a year to prevent issues and keep their teeth healthy.
If you’ve been relying on an emergency dentist, it’s time to make a change. You should find a general dentist in your area to catch up, but how can you know if they’re the right fit?
We have a few tips to help you find the perfect general dentist to get your family back on track. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
1. Ask for Referrals
There are surely several types of dentists in your area, and it can be quite challenging to find the best one for your needs. If you require the services of a local pediatric dentist, ask for recommendations in your area. Finding a dentist with the specialization you need ensures the best results.
Ask your family and even co-workers. A trusted friend or healthcare professional can also provide valuable insight into the qualifications and specialties of local dentists. Inquire around your social circle for experiences with different dentists, and question about comfort levels and services provided.
2. Take Time to Research
Quality dentists should possess credentials that indicate they are qualified to provide services. Researching their background, education, and their level of experience can help you know if they are the right choice.
Look for reviews to get an idea of how their offices run and what their customers think about the care they have received. You may also want to check the dentist’s views on preventive dental care and their policy on scheduling appointments.
Look for someone who offers timely and convenient appointments that work with your family’s schedule. If someone in your family has a particular need, such as one who is multiple-impaired, make sure the dentist can provide the specialized care necessary.
3. Consider if the Practice Takes Your Insurance
Insurance can be a factor in helping reduce costs associated with regular and emergency dental care. Thus, it is a crucial step in the decision-making process. You can find information about a dental practice’s insurance policy on its website or by calling its office.
When speaking with the office, make sure to ask about what type of insurance they accept. Ask if they have any special discounted rates and if they have any payment plans.
Before your visit, check in with your insurance provider to ensure all necessary documents needed about the insurance plan have been sent in or if any paperwork needs to be filled out. Consider the range of services covered by your insurance. These include preventative, restorative, and cosmetic care.
If a practice doesn’t accept your insurance, you can determine the costs associated with different treatments. Compare those fees with other practices.
4. Offers Emergency Care
You can confirm the dentist’s ability to handle emergencies by asking questions and reviewing the dentist’s certifications. You can also contact their office staff to ask if they have emergency care on-site. Many dental offices offer emergency services during certain hours or with a pre-arranged appointment.
Inquire if they have an on-call dentist who can come into the office on nights and weekends to provide medical attention. Furthermore, you can reach out to the dentist’s former patients to ask if they ever had to use the emergency services provided. Having a dentist on standby that offers emergency care can alleviate potential worries and leave you confident in the services being offered.
5. Evaluate Treatment Options
It is vital to know the experience of treating various tooth and mouth issues and the different treatment options offered. Additionally, look for a dentist who encourages preventive dentistry. This helps ensure you can identify concerns at an early stage, thus promoting better dental health.
Consider how accommodating the staff is and the technology involved. Check if they have digital x-rays and 3D imaging, for example. This will help you understand what to expect in treatment results, cost, and comfort levels when choosing a dentist.
6. Consider a Convenient Location
When selecting a family dentist, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages of the convenient location. Look for someone conveniently located close to you, such as in your neighborhood or nearby town. Also, consider dentists with offices in two or more local locations since this allows for more flexibility in scheduling your appointments.
If the location is close to your home, work, or school, it can make it easier to fit dental visits into your family’s busy schedule. Think about how long it would take to reach the location from your home and how much time you will have to allow for your visit each time. If you find yourself running late for regular appointments, you may want to look for a location closer so you can get there quicker.
Many dentist offices offer online booking, making it easy to schedule an appointment without having to call or visit the office in person. A good general dentist should make it easy for you to access the best dental care for your family.
7. Answer Any Questions You Have
Be sure to select someone who takes the time to answer any questions or concerns you may have. This is vital because when it comes to a person’s health, information is key.
If a dentist is not willing to take the time to explain procedures and the complete orthodontic care your family will receive, then it might be a sign that their services are not up to par. Additionally, such a lack of patience or initiative in answering your questions might be a sign of potential poor communication or even neglect. Ensure that the general dentist you choose has the patience to answer any of your questions or concerns and demonstrates genuine care for your family’s oral health needs.
Look for a General Dentist Today
After taking the time to consider your family’s specific dental needs, you’re on your way to finding the right general dentist. Take the necessary steps, such as asking for referrals, researching, evaluating treatment options, and considering convenient locations, to find an ideal fit.
Also, when choosing a dentist, consider if they take your insurance, offer emergency care, and answer any questions you have. With the right dentist, you’ll have access to top-notch dental care and enjoy the benefits of good oral health. Get started on your search today!
For more helpful advice, check out the rest of our blog.
