Choosing a dentist is a big decision since you’re putting the entirety of your oral health in their hands. It’s ok to be a little choosy and to ask questions to ensure you’re choosing the right dentist for you and your needs. If you’re unsure of what to ask and how to get started, here are 10 questions you should ask before choosing your dentist.
Do They Have Good Reviews?
Choosing someone based on pricing alone isn’t the best choice. Always check to see what others are saying about their experience with the dentist you’re seeking out. Cheap or not, if they’re not very good, they could cause even more damage which results in more money being spent to fix the issue.
Do They Take My Insurance?
If you are reliant on your insurance to cover any of your visits, you’ll want to make sure the dentist you’re looking at actually accepts your insurance. Nothing is worse than showing up for an appointment after finally finding a dentist just to find out you’ll be paying out of pocket.
What Do They Specialize in?
Not all dentists are equal. Some may only offer certain types of care which could leave you limited in the future. Check to see what all they offer at their offices and see if it’s a good fit for you.
How Available Are They?
Some offices have a long wait for scheduling, which makes it impossible to get in for visits as you need them. If the office rarely has openings, it may not be the right fit since it’s important to have a dentist that can be useful when it’s needed. Not everything is a scheduled issue, which means waiting two months to be seen isn’t realistic. The dentist most likely is capping at their client limit and you’ll want to find somewhere else that isn’t quite so full.
How Long Have They Been in Practice?
Is this a fairly new dentist or have they been at their job for a while? Newer dentists aren’t necessarily bad, however, dentists with more experience generally offer a better level of care. This is due to them having experience with hands-on care rather than just fresh out of college with a new practice. This is all up to each person’s preference.
Is There a Fee for Missing or Cancelling Appointments?
Things happen which can sometimes make it hard to schedule ahead and ensure 100% that you’ll be able to make it. It may be necessary at times to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Also, let’s be real here, sometimes days get away from us and we forget appointments. If you’re unable to make it, will you have to fear to pay a fee? This can be a stressful way to handle appointments and may not be a factor everyone wants to deal with. It’s important to know what to expect before jumping in.
Is Their Dental Technology Outdated?
Using older equipment doesn’t mean a dentist can’t do their job, however, it could mean you’re not getting the level of care that current technology can offer. Many dentist offices like to stay up-to-date when it comes to technology in order to offer the best level of care possible. Not to mention, updated technology is usually safer and more precise. Again, this is also patient preference.
Is the Location Convenient?
There’s nothing worse than having to commute a long distance to go to the dentist. If you don’t have a choice, there’s not much you can do about that. However, it’s definitely worth the effort to ensure it’s a convenient location for you.
How Does Payment Work?
Does the dentist office offer payment plans or alternative ways to pay or do you have to pay the entire amount upfront? Depending on the circumstances, paying the full amount upfront may be taxing. Check to make sure the dentist offers payment options that suit your needs.
Are They Pleasant to Work With?
In general, it’s nice to find an office you feel comfortable walking into and interacting with. Going to the dentist can be a little stressful. The last thing any patient needs is to deal with rude staff or an uncaring atmosphere.
