With the New Year comes the renewal of or opportunity for new benefits. Or maybe you’ve made a (wonderful!) resolution to make your oral health a priority. The next step in these situations is to choose a dentist if you don’t already have one. It can seem overwhelming to search online and try to compare reviews. Instead, read on for some smart suggestions on important things to consider as you research potential dental offices.
Part of Insurance Network
By knowing your dental health benefits, you’ll be aware of who is part of their service provider network. If they have dental HMOs, for example, they’ll narrow your choice of dentist to a member of that network. A PPO plan, on the other hand, may affect the amount of copay you’ll have to cough up before the insurance kicks in.
Get Family and Friend Feedback
Others’ recommendations should have a greater impact on your decision then online reviews. Ask anyone you can: family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or other important people in your life. Other health care providers such as a physician or optometrist may have a recommendations or referrals that previous patients go to.
Be specific with your questions. Get information on a dental clinic’s waiting time and punctuality for appointments, as well as how bills are handled, and any positive or negative experiences your contact may have had with the dentist in question. Also, did the dentist thoroughly explain treatment options so that the patient could make an educated decision about their oral health? This is especially important because sometimes insurance companies will only pay for the cheapest procedures rather than what’s best for the patient.
Community resources or the local Chamber of Commerce might also have lists of local dentists who are part of professional associations, such as the American Dental Association (ADA) to ensure that whoever you are reviewing is staying current with dental trainings and specialized practices.
Convenience Meets Accessibility
In addition to insurance providers and feedback, you might also want to factor in how convenient or accessible the dentist office is. Do you want an office close to your normal routes to work or school? Will you need a dentist that is available on weekends or later in the evenings? These types of needs may lead your decisions on who will be candidates.
Compare Costs
While money might not be the most important thing to consider when whittling down choices for the best dentist for you and your family, it will certainly have an impact on your choice. In addition to whether or not your insurance plan approves of said dentist, you might also want to find out all the fees each dentist associates with procedures you suspect may need to be done in the coming months such as cavity fillings or a crown. If you don’t have insurance or it won’t cover said needs, you might also want to find out billing or payment options that the dentist’s office provides.
Meet or Interview Dentist
Don’t be afraid to stop by or schedule a consultation with a potential pick for your dental needs. Make a list of the best qualified or recommended, and then another one of questions to ask. These questions can include the following:
Is he or she a member of organized dentistry (such as ADA or AGD)?
Which dental procedures are completed in-office and which are referred out to specialists?
How far in advance will regular checkups or cleanings need to be scheduled?
Is preventive dentistry a major part of the dentists approach to dental care?
What type, if any, of anesthesia does the dentist have certifications to offer his or her patients?
How are out-of-office emergencies handled by the dentist and/or his staff?
What is the dentist’s policy on missed appointments? This may be especially important for someone whose work schedule has sporadic schedule changes or trips.
While you’re in the office you might also take note of some things. First off, do you feel comfortable with the dentist and his or her staff? Is the office tidy and clean? Is confidential data handled delicately and discreetly? Also, if you have children that might also be using the same provider, is the waiting room and exam room(s) set up to welcome them and make the visit a good experience?
You’ll Be Prepared to Make a Great Decision
It may take a week or two to do the research and have the conversations to gather all the information you’ll need. Once you utilize this article to help you brainstorm, you’ll be on the perfect track to choosing the best dentist. This is not a small thing, as a dentist can be a lifelong oral caretaker for you and your family. If you happen to be in the Carrollton, Texas area, please include Josey Lane Dentistry in your search. We’d be happy to show you around our facility and answer any questions you have.
Emergency
Patient Forms
Contact Us