If you are looking for a dentist, do not simply schedule an appointment with the dentist closest to your home or office. Location is only one factor worth considering. Here's a look at everything else you should consider when selecting a dentist.
Anyone who lives far away from the dentist that he or she is considering, the hours of a dental office will also be important to consider. Ideally, an individual will select a dentist who is fairly close to his/her home or office. However, if the best local dentist is somewhat far away, then the individual should still consider the individual's work schedule and the dentist's office hours. Some dentists are open on weekdays. Others extend their office hours to weeknights as well.
If an individual is not comfortable interacting with the dentist and his or her staff, then the individual will dread going in for treatments. The individual should feel perfectly comfortable asking questions, posing concerns and requesting assistance. If the individual feels as though the staff or the dentist lack social graces, then it is best to move on to the next candidate.
While the cost of dental appointments is an important factor, it should not be a deal-breaker. Insurance can be a determining factor in which dentist one chooses. By calling us ahead of time, we can help determine if the patient has the correct insurance or explore other options.
Furthermore, it is important to find out if the insurance provider requires referrals for treatment with specialists and whether the dentist in question can provide such referrals.
Keep in mind that it might be worth the extra money to obtain treatment at a dental practice with comparably high prices. Those who offer extremely cheap pricing often provide low-quality treatment or require the patient to wait extended periods of time to be seen.
Get a gauge as to how prospective dentists will respond when the patient needs emergency treatment. Find out if they will provide assistance at night, on weekends or during regular office hours. The bottom line is a dentist should not refer patients to a hospital emergency room for treatment.
Find out about the dentist's credentials and experience. The office should have this information readily available. Furthermore, the office should provide prospective patients with information pertaining to infection control. If staff members are uneasy answering such questions or if the patient is uncomfortable with their responses, move on to the next candidate.
If the patient cannot reach the office on the phone and the website is lacking in information, reach out to the insurance carrier or the local dental society for more information about the dentist's qualifications.
When in doubt, schedule an appointment for a cleaning and an evaluation of the dental office. Take a look around, interact with the staff and evaluate the office's merit. If the patient finds the practice is messy, has numerous patients waiting to be seen or exhibits unprofessional practices, do not return for a subsequent visit.
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