Having a good dentist can mean the difference between having a healthy and attractive smile, and having to deal with a set of dentures. Here are some tips to help you find the right dentist for you and your family.
Know What Your Dental Health Benefits Are
You may be limited in your choice of dentists by your dental health plan. An HMO dental plan limits you to dentists who are a member of the HMO network. If you have a PPO dental plan, there can be different copay levels for visiting a network dentist. We will accept almost all PPO plans, and we are in network with most major dental insurance companies. It is best for patients to find an in-network dentist so they can best utilize their insurance benefits.
Ask Friends And Family Members For Recommendations
Ask everyone you can who they like as a dentist, from family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else whose opinion you trust. Get a list of dentists who are members of professional organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA) or the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). There are also local dental organizations that may be able to steer you in the right direction.
Be Sure To Factor In Accessibility
Are you looking for a dentist you can easily get to from your home or from your place of business? You also need to know how flexible you are when it comes to scheduling an appointment. For example, do you need a dentist who is open on Saturdays? If you have found a dentist you like, talk over these issues with him or her.
Set Up A Meeting With Any Dentist On Your Short List
When you have a list of prospective dentists, call them or pay a visit before you set an initial appointment. Find out if they are a member of a dental organization such as ADA or AGD, and find out the procedures that are done in their office, and if any procedures are referred to anyone else. Find out how far in advance you need to make an appointment for procedures such as dental cleanings and regular check-ups.
Evaluate The Dentist After The First Appointment
Look around when you pay your first office visit. Is it clean and orderly? Is the staff friendly and professional? Take notice of how they handle your medical and dental history charts with your personal information on it. If you sense they are lacking in this area, you will need to look elsewhere. If you have children, take note of how child-friendly the office is.
At Snellville Family Dental, we strive to give all of our patients healthy teeth and gums for life. We offer a variety of services including teeth whitening, dental cleanings, implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, etc. We can help with a plan for preventive care that will head off any possible problems before they are able to develop. So get in touch with us today.