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How to Choose the Right Dentist
If you’re looking for a dentist, you’ll have to give it time and care. Besides, your oral health can be a big factor in your general health, and even the opposite is true. So you’re going to need a dentist who can make sure that both are doing well.
While there is no shortage of dentists out there, you might have to look a little closer in order to find a good one.
In fact, you’ll need to give your search a little tiem and effort because not all dentists are created equal.
So how can you tell if a dentist is good for you?
Your Dental Health Insurance
First and foremost, look into your dental insurance or benefits. Even if you have the best prospective dentist, he’s still not good enough you will not be covered for his treatments. For example, if you have a dental HMO, you’ll only be able to choose a dentist who is a member of the HMO network. If you have a PPO plan, using a network dentist can give you a more favorable copayment level.
Personal Referrals
There is no better route to a good dentist than a personal referral. So ask your friends, relatives, colleagues and even your doctor what they like about their dentist. You can also ask for a list of local dentists from professional associations such as the American Dental Association or your local dental society.
Clinic Accessibility
Would you want a clinic that’s near your home or workplace? How much flexibility do you require when it comes to scheduling appointments? Do you need a dentist who will be available on weekends? These are practical concerns that can have a big impact on your overall experience with the dentist you eventually pick.
The First Consultation
When you have a shortlist of prospects, set an appointment with each of them. Find out if they are members of professional associations and which treatments are performed in office or referred out. Also know how early you need to call and schedule a checkup or cleaning.
Evaluating the Dentist
On your first visit, check if the clinic is clean and organized. Are staff members polite and warm? Are they conscientious in taking your medical and dental history? Is the office kid-friendly?
After your visit, consider the following:
* Was it convenient going to the clinic in terms of location and business hours? * Were you comfortable with the dentist and the staff? * Do you think you could trust the dentist for recommendations or referrals?
As you can see, there are plenty of things to look into when choosing a dentist. It’s not right to just look in the phone book and call the first clinic you find. There are several things you have to know regarding the dentist, the practice and the practical issues.. After that, you’ll only have to rely on your instincts and of course, common sense.
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