How to Choose a Dentist

Back in the day, it was easy to choose a dentist. Today, it is much harder because there are more dental practices and dentists who specialize in different aspects of dentistry. These days, there is also a greater need for caution. With fake dental schools issuing qualifications and malpractice suits on the rise, it is more important than ever to research for a qualified family-friendly dentist. Consider the following tips before you choose a dentist.

How to Choose a Dentist

Dental Insurance Plans

Start by investigating what your insurer covers, especially if you have younger kids. It is one thing to make co-payments on day-to-day dentistry.
On the other hand, it is different when it comes to the kids needing retainers and various other teeth straighteners. Some dental work can only be done in a hospital. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what oral health expenses the health maintenance organization (HMO) will cover. What they bill you will depend on if they are available on your plan. If they are available, it will usually save you and your HMO money. While HMOs are usually prohibited from making recommendations, they are obliged to tell you if they recognize the medical practitioners you want to use. Ask your insurance company if your candidate is registered with them.

Referrals

Word of mouth is the best way to find a dentist. Therefore, asking extended family members, friends, and work colleagues is a good way to solicit referrals. Another way is to ask your local community group on social media platforms. You can also look for patient reviews online and check out websites of dentists in your area. Have any customers completed a rating survey? If so, think about contacting them.

Gender

Some people prefer to speak to either a same-sex or an opposite-sex dentist. In most cases, a dentist’s chair-side manner has more to do with their personality and schedule, not their gender. However, for some people, it depends on the information that you need to share with your dentist, and who you would be most comfortable sharing it with. In some circumstances, it is best that you let your kids decide whether they would be more comfortable with a male or female dentist.

Credentials

Private and public websites can help you research dentist and staff credentials, as well as any continuing education they are undergoing. These sites can give you insight as to what a qualified dentist’s credentials look like. Research to see if there is any history of malpractice, or if any disciplinary action has been taken by a professional body against a dentist.

Experience

When interviewing a candidate, enquire about their experience dealing with complicated orthodontic and endodontic cases involving adults as well as kids. If you have a pre-existing condition, ask if they have any experience of treating patients with the same condition. The more experience a dentist has, the better off your results will likely be.

Telehealth

It can often take hours and days to get an appointment. Ask your prospective dentist if they offer online telehealth capabilities to discuss important treatments and treatment plans. It is also possible for dentists these days to make diagnoses in a virtual visit by simply outlining your symptoms. Modern facilities and communication channels can result in time-saving for the dentist and, hopefully, cost savings for a patient and their insurance provider.

In some cases, you can even use a telehealth interview or consultation to grade the dentist’s “chair-side manner.” Take notes on whether or not you felt like you were being listened to. Evaluate if the dentist asked lots of questions about your dental history and took notes, or if they were doing their best to hurry you along.

Logistics

Visiting a dentist’s office can be a challenge if there is a long commute involved. Therefore, it helps if you choose a dentist that is close to your home. Use online search tools by typing “dentist near me” to narrow down the results. Finding a dental office near you not only makes it easier to stay on top of your dental health, but it is also a godsend in an emergency.

Additional Reading: Why Choose an American Dental Association (ADA) Member?

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