How to Find a Family Dentist
One of the first things people notice when meeting someone new is the other person’s smile. A patient’s smile plays a key role in their appearance. In order to help prevent issues such as decay, cavities, and gum disease, it is imperative to maintain good oral hygiene. To preserve oral health, patients must be diligent in brushing, flossing, and making regular visits to the dentist.
Finding a good family dentist can be invaluable for ensuring everyone within the family has good oral health and maintains a beautiful smile. A unique thing about family dentists is that they can provide excellent care for patients of any age. Because it can be challenging to find a good family dentist, a summary of tips for finding a good family dentist are summarized below.
Family and Friends
It can be incredibly helpful to ask family, friends, coworkers and even neighbors for their recommendations on a family dentist. This is especially helpful when moving to a new area. Asking people who you should not use can help prevent a negative experience. Using recommendations from people within your circle can aid in finding an excellent family dentist you can trust.
Network Providers
Perhaps one of the most important factors in selecting a family dentist is working with an in-network provider. This means the provider is covered under your dental insurance. Dentists who are not within the insurance network will undoubtedly result in expensive out-of-pocket costs and high premiums.
Many insurance providers have resources available on their websites or through customer service for finding a family dentist in your area. Providers also vary in whether or not they accept Medicare or Medicaid. Be sure to do your research in advance. It is common for the dental office to offer financing, payment plans, and some even have special rates for patients who do not have dental insurance. Work directly with the family dental clinic to determine their coverage and offerings.
Meet with the Provider
One helpful thing to consider when determining what family dentist to use is to schedule a consultation to meet the team and determine if they are a good fit. Seeing the office in person can also be an important part of the evaluation. In many cases, patients will make routine dental visits about every six months. Be sure to find a dentist who makes you feel welcome and comfortable.
Logistics
Some patients may have numerous family dentists in their area, which can be overwhelming. Patients should also consider logistics when selecting a provider. Additional things to consider when evaluating a potential family dentist are summarized below:
- Office location and proximity to home or work
- Hours and scheduling
- Emergency resources
- Missed appointment policy
- Financing options
- Testimonials and references from other patients
Research
Another helpful way to research potential providers is through the internet. This allows patients to compare family dentists in the area and look at reviews or feedback from other patients. The website often includes background on the team’s training, experience, and any areas of specialization.
Call today for a consultation to meet with our team. We look forward to working with your family and helping you maintain a beautiful smile.