Finding The Right Dentist

If you’ve moved to a new town or waited longer than necessary for a routine checkup, it’s probably time to look for a new dentist. Finding the right one can mean the difference between good oral health and rotten teeth, so you should look into them intelligently. For more apprehensive patients, finding a good dentist can help ease anxieties and turn a daunting visit into one of pleasure and ease. Below are five tips to help you find the best doctor for your dental needs.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

If you have a dental plan, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance agent. Some agencies only deal with specific networks, so choices may be limited depending on your coverage. Sticking with your network may also provide additional benefits, such as copay reduction, so be sure to inquire about your networks before making any appointments.

Recommendations

If you’re planning to move, just ask your dentist for a recommendation. Friends, family, neighbors, and even your local pharmacist might have someone in mind for you already. Other patients can help shed some light on the price, style, and personality of your prospective choice. Additionally, just as in other professions, dentists rely a great deal on personal recommendations, so take advantage of that and ask around before coming to a final decision.

Contact The American Dental Association

Making informed decisions is, of course, always the best way to go when searching for a new dentist. The ADA’s website contains information on local dental societies where you can easily seek referrals. There are also a number of websites that allow patients to post reviews about their personal experiences. These can come in handy for a number of reasons, but never rely on the advice of a single review. Instead compound multiple reviews together to weigh additional pros and cons you may come across during your search.

Schedule An Exam

Diligence, research and recommendations are always useful, but you’ll never know for sure until you schedule an exam. This first-hand experience is perhaps the optimal way to evaluate a prospective dentist. Ask questions and take mental notes of the office’s cleanliness, speak with the assistants, and most importantly, ask the lead doctors about their use of technology. Do they have the latest equipment or do they plan on grinding your teeth out with a hacksaw? Trust me, it’s good to know details like this.

Weigh It Out!

Even after you’ve settled on a choice, you should still think about additional factors like location and availability. Is the office close to work? Are they open on weekends? What about emergency availability? If your decision isn’t spoiled after answering these questions, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve found the right clinic.

Keep these tips in mind when searching for other oral specialists, such as an orthodontist or periodontist. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to make sure your new doctor is in your network and accepts your insurance. Additionally, speaking with an assistant about the fine print of your contract will help both of you better understand your new relationship. Good luck!

Canton residents visit Canton Gentle Dental when they need the services of an experienced dentist. Learn more at http://www.cantongentledental.com/.