Choosing the right dentist is not always easy. More often than not, you wait until you have a toothache or other dental emergency before making that decision. Oral health is important to maintain, not only to ensure you have a beautiful smile, but also because oral hygiene impacts your overall health and immune system. You don’t just choose any doctor for other routine check-ups, so take some time and make sure you’re selecting a dentist that is right for you. Here are some tips to consider when deciding what makes a good dental practice for you.
1. Personal comfort
A visit to the dentist can be a bit unnerving. That’s why one of the most important things to consider when choosing a dentist is your comfortability. Is the staff friendly? The office clean? Does the dentist listen to your concerns and put you at ease? Do you feel like you get the information you need to make the best decision for you?
2. Professional qualifications
Make sure you ask about the dentist and staff qualifications. You may get this information from your insurance carrier as well, but when you meet with the dentist, ask about ongoing training , conferences they attend and some of the latest trends in the dental industry. Having a good educational foundation is important but you also want to make sure you choose someone that is fully versed in cutting-edge dental practices.
3. Services
Are you looking for a dentist for routine dental cleanings? Maybe you want cosmetic dentistry, like teeth whitening or Invisalign? You may not even know what you need to prefect that smile, so you will want to consider a dentist that has a full suite of services including dental implant treatment and same day crowns. Find out if your dentist also offers extended hours on nights and weekends for dental emergencies. You should be able to reach your dentist at any time, and they should never refer you to a hospital emergency room.
4. Technology
This may not be something typically on your radar, but dentists using the latest technology can make your visit much more relaxed. Whether it’s a 3D XRay machine, lasers or painless anesthesia, these types of state-of-the art pieces of equipment provide fast, efficient results and lend to a better patient experience.
5. Location and hours
Do you want a dentist close to home? Or maybe it’s best to break away from the office, so you want to choose close to work. Make sure you select a convenient location and you know the available office hours. That way you never have to worry about scheduling an appointment or making it on time.
6. Cost and insurance
Make sure you understand your insurance benefits. Does the dentist accept your insurance?
Do they offer payment plans, or accept credit cards or personal checks. If the dentist you choose doesn’t include specialized treatment, can your dentist provide referrals to specialists? Knowing your dental benefits is going to be key as you don’t want to be surprised about copayments or services not included in your plan.
7. Free consultations
Does your dentist offer free consultations or second opinions? When you’re looking to choose the dentist that’s right for you, set up a call or visit to their office beforehand. Ask at this time ask about their experience, procedures and practices. The initial consult will give you an overall feeling of how comfortable you will be with this dentist, staff and the office.
Once you’ve decided on a dentist, you should continue to evaluate after every appointment. Is the staff always friendly? Do they keep your medical records private? Is it easy to schedule your next appointment? Consider looking over dentist reviews, even place a review about your own experience.
At Bonita Del Rey, we want to make your decision easy. Which is why when someone asks us why they should choose Bonita Del Rey, we always say it’s because we care! We care about providing you an unprecedented experience, making you feel welcome and comfortable. We care about the latest in technology because we know it will give you fast, efficient and effective results. We care about you and your health. If we can make you happy, we have done our job. Call us today to find out for yourself!
