5 SIGNS TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD FAMILY DENTIST
Are you on a search for a new family dentist? Maybe you just moved to a new area, or perhaps you just want a change. Whatever the case, here are five tips to help you find a dentist for your entire family.
1. Get Recommendations from Family and Friends
Sometimes the best place to start looking for a family dentist is your network of friends and family! Talk to your family and friends to see what their experiences have been with their family dentist. If they’ve lived in the area for a while, there’s a good chance that they’re using a dentist that they know and trust, so they’ll likely be happy to recommend the person they use.
2. Try to find a Local Dentist
You do not want to drive 50 miles to see a dentist. It’s a good idea to find one that’s close to where you live or work. Some people tend to put off going to the dentist whenever possible. By having a dentist close to your home, you’ll have one less excuse not forget your regular checkups!
Also, check the office hours. If you require a dentist that’s open on Saturdays or early mornings, that will help narrow down your search.
3. Emergencies
You will want to find out how dental emergencies are handled. What will happen if an emergency occurs when the office is closed?
Some of the emergencies that may occur are any injury to the teeth or gums. Some examples would include:
- A toothache
- A chipped or broken tooth
- A knocked-out tooth
- A partially knocked-out tooth
- Items stuck between the teeth
- Missing filling or crown
- Damaged braces or wire
- Infected tooth and injuries to the mouth
- Bleeding tongue or gums
- An abscessed tooth
All of these emergencies will be less traumatic if you already have a family dentist and know how to contact them.
4. Insurance
One of the main ways that people filter out potential dentists is by sorting through the providers that accept their dental insurance. Always check to see if any dentists you are considering accept the dental insurance you have. If you do not have dental insurance, look for dentists who have payment plans or other options.
5. Special Needs
If you have special health needs, be sure to let your dentist know. Check to see if the dentist has special training or experience in treating persons with these needs.
Other Things To Consider
In addition to the tips above, here are some other things to keep in mind when searching for a family dentist.
You want to go to a dentist who you feel comfortable with, particularly if you suffer from dental anxiety. You should be able to ask any questions you have, and go over any concerns. The more upfront and honest you can be with your dentist, the better service they will be able to provide to you.
The internet is another very valuable resource you can use when searching for dentists. Check on their reviews on Google, Yelp, and other sites. You can also find out if they belong to any dental associations online as well.
Last but certainly not least, you may want to visit their office. This will give you an opportunity to evaluate the attitudes towards patients, and the overall environment. You should check to see if the office is tidy and orderly. Does the staff seem organized? Do the dentist and staff wear protective gloves, and are the surfaces clean?
These are just some of the different elements to consider when you’re searching for a family dentist. In the end, you will have to pick the dentist that you feel the most comfortable with.
If you are looking for a dentist in Centreville, Virginia, do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment for all of your dental needs!
