When looking for a new dentist, you’re searching for more than someone to just inspect and clean your teeth. Your dental health is a vital part of your overall health so it’s important for you to have a dental home. This means there is always someone looking out for the best interest of you and your family.
Having a regular dental home allows you to feel comfortable when you’re dropping in for a visit. It also gives you a safe and trusted place to turn to for a procedure or dental emergency. Here’s our recommendation on how to find the best dental fit for you and your family.
Start with the Basics
Regular dental visits are your reasons behind a healthy smile, so it’s best to start with the details that work best with your lifestyle and dental care needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking for a suitable dental clinic:
- Is the dental clinic easy to go to from your home or your office?
- Does the dental clinic have convenient office hours?
- Where was the dentist educated and trained?
- What is the dentist’s approach to preventive dentistry?
- If you have dental benefits, is the dental clinic in your network?
- What is the dental clinic’s office policy on missed appointments?
- Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?
- How are arrangements made when handling emergencies outside of office hours?
- Are you able to communicate with the dentists or do you need translation services?
Alternatively, you can always ask your family, relatives, friends, neighbours, or co-workers for their recommendations. If you’re moving to another city or state, you can ask your current dentist to make a recommendation. It is always good to call or visit more than one dental clinic before settling on one.
Launch the Search
Now that you know what you’re looking for, you can begin the search. You probably notice the advertisements online, in the newspaper and even in your mailbox! You might even see the occasional review of a dental clinic your friends have put up on their social media sites.
Do remember that every person’s dental health needs and experiences are their own. You could search by name, location and specialty on the Internet or ask for a list of dentist names or dental clinics within your area from your local dental society. You can always go to a trusted friend or relative. If your friend says she loves her dentist, you might want to check them out!
Once you have found a few good candidates, visit their websites and see if their offices are on social media to learn more about them.
Meet and Greet
Don’t be shy about calling or visiting the dental clinics on your list before deciding. Schedule consultation time with the dental clinic to meet with the dentist and staff before making an appointment. Be sure to note down your questions and bring your records so the dentist can take a look at your dental history. A few questions you might want to ask are:
- Will the dentist explain how to help you prevent dental health problems?
- How does the dentist and clinic staff handle emergencies outside of office hours?
- Is the clinic staff familiar with your benefit plan, and do they offer financial options for treatment costs?
- Will your medical and dental history be recorded and placed in a permanent file?
- Does the office appear to be clean, neat, and orderly?
- Are the surfaces and equipment in the treatment room clean and tidy?
- Is the dental staff helpful and willing to answer your questions?
- Is the dentist and staff wearing gloves and other protective gear during actual patient treatment?
- Does the office appear to be clean, neat, and orderly?
- Are the surfaces and equipment in the treatment room clean and tidy?
- Is the dental staff helpful and willing to answer your questions?
- Is the dentist and staff wearing gloves and other protective gear during actual patient treatment?
Always ensure that you share past dental experiences or dental concerns, including anxiety. It is good to know that your dentist understands your concerns and answers all your questions.
Pick a Partner
Your dental health can impact your overall health and the one dentist who can coach you, motivate you, and advise you when health issues arise is a dental partner to be reckoned with.