Choosing a dentist can be a daunting task. Most people go through their entire lives without giving much thought to choosing a dentist. When it comes to dental health, this can be scary, especially when it comes to children’s teeth. In order to make sure that your children get off on the right foot with their dental care, it is extremely important that you take the time to find a great family dentist from the beginning. It is not too late to find a great dentist, as long as your child still has his/her baby teeth. Utilizing the following tips will help you narrow down your search in order to find the perfect dentist for you and your family
Research before choosing: there are great resources on the internet that can help you to identify local dentists with good reviews in your area. You can also ask friends or family who they have been going to for years, as many people have preferences when it comes to dental practices. It is also important to look up dentists that are certified by your state board as well as the American Dental Association (ADA).
Also, is this dentist really the best for you? Think about what makes them stand out from others in their field. Do they have an extensive list of awards? Are they board certified or members of an organization like the ADA or Delta Dental? Check with your insurance to see if they accept that particular organization, and ask them which dental practices they recommend.
When making your appointment, go with a basic plan: If general cleanings with fluoride treatment are what you need and are comfortable with, then stick to that and don’t get too specific. If you want a more invasive procedure like a cavity filled or extraction, then it is important to find out ahead of time if the dentist accepts your insurance. Don’t forget about checkups for those looking for preventative care.
Consider who takes care of the office: ask if there is a dental assistant on staff as well as who cleans the clinic’s equipment and sterilizes instruments. Ask who does the billing and how many years of experience they have at their practice. Beware of the small office: dentists who practice in offices that are more than what is needed for just a few patients are more likely to have infection control procedures and good equipment to help your dental health. Dentists who do not have a full-time staff increase their chances of being unable to take care of your dental needs as well as the liability of being open with too many patients at one time.
Call around before you choose: in order to get a feel for which dentist and practices are the best, ask around and see how long they have been in practice. You can also ask if they accept your insurance plans and what is included in those plans. Do you have to pay an extra fee for certain services? Make sure the dentist and office staff are friendly and that they have a broad knowledge of dental health procedures.
