WAYS TO CHOOSE YOUR BEST NEW DENTIST
What happens when you need a new dentist? Perhaps you’ve recently moved or your longtime family dentist has retired. Regardless of the reason, when it comes time to find a new dentist, you might be filled with a million questions and not want to even start. Our team at DentalWorks in Columbus, OH understands your concerns and we can make it easier for you. Whether you have dental fears and need sedation dentistry or a pediatric practice to care for your children, it’s important to choose the ideal dentist for your needs. We have put together a list of helpful hints to help you narrow your search. Check out our tips below to help you decide on a dentist that will match your needs.
WHAT DOES GOOGLE SAY?
Grab your computer or phone and lots of information is in your hands. Begin your hunt for a new dentist with a quick online search by entering “board-certified dentists in Columbus, OH.” Do you need a general dentist or maybe you will need a pediatric dentist to care for your younger family members? If you’re thinking about improving the appearance of your smile, you should be looking for a cosmetic dentist. If you don’t want to start with a treatment or procedure, schedule an initial consultation. Most dentists are happy to meet with prospective patients to help them feel comfortable before they schedule their first procedure. You can also contact a practice to get more information on their office policies and which procedures they offer.
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS: LOCATION AND SCHEDULING
You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding the physical address and hours of operation online for most dental practices. You should consider whether their location and schedule are compatible with your schedule. Do you want a dentist that’s very close to you or would you be willing to travel a little further for the perfect dentist? Will you be going to the dentist from your home, office, or school? Do they offer late hours or emergency care? You should be able to get in touch with your dentist at any time (usually through an answering service or after-hours phone line) in cases of an urgent dental situation. This will be important if you or a family member ever suffer a facial trauma.
GET RECOMMENDATIONS AND CHECK OUT REVIEWS
Your family and friends are a terrific resource that you know you can trust. Ask some of your friends and neighbors where they go to the dentist and what they think about the practice. Online reviews can also be helpful, but it’s essential to remember that anonymous sources may not be dependable. A bad review based on one person’s experience doesn’t mean you won’t like that dentist. Likewise, a lot of good reviews don’t necessarily mean that you will have a great experience. Consider other factors when reading reviews like the cleanliness of the practice, the ease of getting an appointment, the attitude of the staff and dentist, and modern equipment. Take a look at their website to learn more about them. What cosmetic treatments and advanced restorations are offered? What equipment and technology do they use to help make sure your procedure is effective?
CHECK INTO THEIR TRAINING
When you have selected a few prospective dentists, the next step is to compare their education and training. A professional profile on the dentist(s) should be featured on their website. Find out which dental school they went to. Your dentist will ideally be certified by a professional dental board. Earning this certification shows that they are committed to providing the best possible patient care and will remain dedicated to updating their skills. To maintain this level, a dentist is required to complete many hours of additional training every year. You want a dentist who will pride themselves on providing high-quality dental treatments and who will work hard to establish a good relationship with patients.
ALL ABOUT THE MONEY: INSURANCE AND COST
Even though we don’t suggest selecting a dentist just because of their prices, cost is still an important factor. At your first meeting, ask how much they charge for an annual exam and dental cleaning. You can easily look up the average cost of dental procedures based on your location online. It’s usually not a good idea to select the cheapest option when it comes to your oral health because this could mean lower quality materials or out-of-date equipment and methods. However, costs should not be unreasonably high either. Select a dentist whose costs run close to the average.
If you’re using dental insurance, check with your provider to see which dentists are in their network. Also, check to see what coverage you get with an out-of-network dentist. Ask the practice how they handle insurance claims as well as billing for your remaining costs. If you don’t have dental insurance, does the practice offer a discount? Do they offer flexible payment plans or help finding medical financing with low-interest.
NOW YOU’RE READY TO DECIDE
Having to discover a dentist in Columbus, OH who will help you improve the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw while prioritizing your comfort may seem impossible, but it doesn’t have to be. Begin your search with a few key phrases in Google, ask your friends and family for recommendations, then do a little research on a few dentists. Schedule a few meet-and-greets and make as many calls as you need to. It won’t be long before you will be relaxing in the practice of a trustworthy dental professional who will treat you with the utmost care and professionalism. We hope we’ve helped make your search easier and be sure to take a look at the DentalWorks blog for great advice on ways keep your mouth healthy and your smile stunning.
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