Your oral health is important to your overall physical health. Daily oral hygiene and regular professional dental cleaning prevents tooth decay and oral infections, helping your teeth to last a lifetime. If you need a dentist, finding one and keeping your twice-yearly schedule of dental exams is important. Perhaps your current dentist is retiring, your insurance has changed, or you have moved to a different city. How do you go about selecting a new dentist? What things should you consider? What questions should you ask? This article will help you with those answers.
Ask for Recommendations
One of the common ways to find a new dentist is to ask for recommendations. If your prior dentist is retiring or you are moving, ask your dentist if they know of any dental professionals in the area that they would recommend. Local family, friends, neighbors, and workmates are also good contacts to ask for dental office recommendations. Of course, you can also check online review sites and see what people are saying about dentists in your area. After receiving a recommendation, what’s next?
Check Your Facts
Recommendations are certainly helpful, but there are other factors to consider when selecting a new dentist. Here are some of the questions to ask:
Is the dentist part of your dental plan?
Selecting a dentist that accepts your insurance reduces your out-of-pocket cost. Depending on the insurance, it can also matter if the dentist is in-network or out-of-network. If you don’t have dental insurance, then find out what financial plans are offered by the dental practice. The Placerville Dental Group will gladly discuss the insurance you have and the costs you can expect as a result.
Is the office located close to your home or workplace?
Choosing a dentist that is close to your home or workplace is important. Excessive travel time is unwanted during emergency situations and may also discourage you from getting routine preventive care. Local dentists may also refer you to dental specialists in the vicinity, if additional treatments or procedures are needed. The Placerville Dental Group is conveniently located for clients in Placerville and the foothills.
Are office hours convenient for your work and personal schedule?
Just like any business or establishment, dentists establish their own office hours. What days do they work and what hours on those specific days? Do they offer early morning or evening appointments? Do they work on Saturday’s? Do the days and hours they offer fit with your work and family schedule? It is important that the dental office you choose offers days and hours that are convenient for you and your family so that you are sure to get the regular dental care that is necessary to maintain your oral health.
What credentials does the dentist have?
Research how long the dentist you are considering has been practicing. When and where did they complete their training? Do they specialize in specific areas of dentistry that are important to you? Are they an ADA (American Dental Association) member that upholds the core values, rules, and regulations that help keep their patients safe and their practice successful? Researching these details will provide you with peace of mind in the care you will receive.
What are the office policies and procedures?
Each dental office has a right to establish their own office policies and procedures. How do they help you understand your treatment options and estimated costs prior to a procedure? Do they require payment in full if not covered by insurance or do they offer payment or financing options? Is there a fee for cancelled or rescheduled appointments? Understanding office policies and procedures will help you know if it fits your current life and financial circumstances. The Placerville Dental Group wants staff members who are helpful and considerate of our patients’ needs.
How are after-hour emergencies managed?
In a dental emergency, immediate help is critical for maintaining your oral health. How are after-hour emergencies handled at the dentist office you are considering? Do they offer a 24-hour contact service? If using an answering service, what is the guaranteed call-back time? Knowing that you have a dental professional you can contact for emergency treatment provides peace of mind. The Placerville Dental Group offers emergency service.
Visit the Dental Office
When considering a new dentist, visit the office location. Are you greeted in a friendly and professional manner? Is the dental office clean and organized? If they provide a tour of the office, does the dental equipment appear to be in good condition? Is the bathroom sparkling clean? This too will give you a good indication of the type of care you will receive.
Make your Choice
If you have done your part in obtaining recommendations, checking the facts, and visiting the dental office, you are now able to make an educated decision on the dentist that is the right fit for you. The Placerville Dentistry Group is accepting new patients, and we would be pleased if you would consider our team for your dental care. Learn more about us on our About Us webpage, and consider our many patient testimonials here. Please visit our office at 699 Main Street in Placerville, contact us at (530) 444-5322 or use our online contact form. We can’t wait to meet you!
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