Whether you are moving to a new city or switching dental insurance
coverage, there are a variety of reasons that people are faced with the
task of finding a new dentist. The job can seem daunting in the
beginning. However, knowing where to start and becoming aware of what to
look for in a practitioner can make the transition much easier.
Maintaining oral health is a critical part of total well-being. Going
without any type of regular dental care should not be an option.
Begin your search by questioning friends and family in the area.
Word of mouth is the best and most reliable form of advertising. If no
leads surface, then speak with co-workers and neighbors. Practitioners
in the medical community tend to be familiar with one another as well.
It may also be wise to consult your doctor or pharmacist in order to see
if they have any specific recommendations. Should all of these avenues
lead nowhere, contact the National Dental Society at the state or local
level. The contact information for these organizations can be found on
the ADA website (www.ada.org). When leads do finally surface, it is
advisable to visit several different dentists before making your final
decision.
The relationship that you form with your dentist is important. There
are several key things to look for when you actually visit the office
and speak with the potential practitioner. Ensure that you feel
comfortable. A healthy relationship with your dentist will require that
you have open and honest communication. After you have established this
connection, begin to think about the logistics. Be sure that their
office hours will fit conveniently into your schedule. Investigate the
educational background of the dentist. You must consider the standing of
the university from which he or she has graduated. In addition, get a
feel for the approach that the dentist takes to the practice. Ascertain
whether or not the dentist takes a preventive position on dental care. A
dentist that is only concerned when problems have already developed may
not be a wise choice.
The dental field, like any other form of medicine, is an evolving
science. Find out if this dentist attends local and regional conferences
or does anything in regard to continuing education. Dental emergencies
should also be a priority. Ask the dentist what the office policy is for
handling emergency situation on weekends and after office hours. The
billing practices of the office should also be of great concern. Ensure
that the office will accept your coverage or provide some sort of
payment plan for in-depth procedures. A good payment policy will provide
information regarding all payments and fees before the actual work has
been scheduled. You may even wish to get some baseline estimates on
common procedures such as cleanings, X-rays, and cavity fillings. The
final recommendation is related to pure common sense. Give the entire
office a basic visual inspection. The environment should seem clean and
orderly. The assistants and staff should appear friendly and
well-groomed. Approaching your decision with this mental checklist in
mind should allow you to make the right choice for you and your family.
