Selecting a new dentist can take a little bit of time. It’s important to know what questions to ask when choosing a dentist. When you’re equipped with the right questions, you can gather all the information that you need to select the best dental provider for you and your family.
Choosing a dentist is one of those tasks that we love to put off. But not having a dentist is risky. It leaves you open to forgetting about those ever-important 6 months check-ups. Plus, it would leave you paying for an emergency visit if you ever had an unfortunate emergency like a broken tooth or an infection.
Take a look at these 8 important questions you should ask when you’re looking for a dentist.
Question One: Do other patients like this dentist?
The chances are good that there are many options for dental care in your city. Narrow the field by Googling the dentist’s name and the practice name. Check over the most recent reviews and see what other patients say about the dentist. It boils down to this: patients either like going to this practice or they don’t. Find one that’s well-liked by patients.
You may be questioning choosing a dentist based on this factor. It’s a dental exam, not a popularity contest. Right?
I will grant you that you want to choose a dentist based on her technical knowledge and skills. However, people skills do count! Because a trip to the dentist can strike fear into the hearts of patients, the best dentist will have a good chairside manner. This will calm frazzled nerves and make the visit go smoothly.
Question Two: Is the dentist a member of the ADA?
While you’re pecking away at the Google results, browse over to the American Dental Association’s “Find A Dentist” app. You’ll key in the dentist’s name and zip code to find out if the dentist is an ADA member.
ADA membership is important. The ADA holds its dentist members to a high standard. The dentists who qualify for membership in this organization are the best of the best. When you’re talking about taking great care of your teeth, only the best will do!
Question Three: What scope of care can the dentist provide?
You’ll also find out what scope of care the dentist can provide for your family. Of course, the more care the dentist can provide to you, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
Some dentists only perform preventative care and minor restoration work, such as filling your cavities. So, when this dentist gives you the news that you need major restorative treatment, such as partial dentures, you will be under tremendous stress.
First of all, it’s shocking to accept that you’ll lose teeth. Second, you’ll have to adjust to visiting a different dentist than the one you’re accustomed to in order to receive the treatment that you need.
While the scenario may change from this example, the outcome is the same. Once you get comfortable with your dentist, you won’t like the idea of becoming familiar with a new provider when your needs change.
Question Four: Is the office updated with the latest technology?
Today’s dentists have technology that dentists from just a generation or two ago would never have thought possible. Technological advances have made better treatment options available. From laser treatments to tooth whitening to dental implants, today’s advances are designed to help patients keep their teeth naturally beautiful for more of their lives!
But does the dentist you’re considering offer these technologies? There’s only one way to find out. Visit the dentist’s website or call them up and ask that question. You want the dentist to be backed up by the latest advances, so she can customize the best treatment plan for you.
Question Five: Is the office staff friendly?
Trips to the dentist can tear up your nerves. Very few patients arrive 100% calm. Most patients arrive with a range of anxieties from mild cases of nervousness to extreme fear. When you arrive, the last thing you want is a case of bad attitude or disinterest from the office staff who greets you at the desk.
The front office staff should be welcoming, reassuring, and calm. In fact, they should treat you with respect and handle your paperwork efficiently and with a smile on their face. The best staff will treat you like an old friend that they haven’t seen in six months.
How can you find out if this is the case? Think back to the Google reviews and if any of the reviews mentioned the staff in a negative manner. If not, then pay a visit to the dental practice yourself. See how promptly you are greeted. Take note of whether the front desk staff is smiling and welcoming. All you need to tell them is that you’re considering a new dentist and ask for a business card. Then leave. Your work here is done for the day. Keep your impression of the office in mind as you decide on your dentist.
Question Six: Does the dentist offer after-hours care?
Accidents happen. An enjoyable weekend of playing softball with your buddies can result in a line drive hit to your mouth that breaks a tooth. Ouch!
What’s worse than that? When it happens on Friday evening you’re forced to wait until Monday morning to call the dentist to get that injury taken care of. Tooth pain is no laughing matter, and the longer you wait for care, the more likely you are to develop complications.
Whether you develop a raging toothache during the night or experience an injury like in my softball example, the time may come when you need after-hours dental care. Believe it or not, some clinics don’t offer emergency visits on nights, weekends, and holidays. Some practices do offer it. However, you’ll probably find that most dentists will partner with their colleagues to rotate a dentist on call for such emergencies. This means that you will be able to see a dentist, but it might not be your usual provider.
That’s not such a bad compromise in an emergency situation.
Question Seven: Does the dentist take your dental insurance?
Dental care can be expensive, and if you have dental insurance you’ll want to take full advantage of it!
Check-in with your insurance provider about the dentist you’re considering. Ask them if the dentist is in their provider network. Most dental insurers have a website where you can do this or offer a toll-free number. Both of these pieces of information are usually printed on your dental insurance card.
Question Eight: How long does it take for a new patient appointment?
Some dentists have long waiting lists to get a new patient appointment. You may be okay with waiting to be seen. However, if it’s been a long time since you’ve had an exam or you’re experiencing problems, that might not be good for you. Only you can be the judge of that. However, you can usually request to have your appointment bumped up to a sooner date if they have a cancellation.
Ask Those Questions
Now that you’re equipped with these eight important questions that you need to ask, get on top of this task. Take charge of your dental health and find the best dentist for yourself.
