Searching for a new dentist near you can feel overwhelming, especially if you are uncertain about what to look for in one. When looking for a dentist, there are a few factors to consider before making a final decision. Perhaps you are unsure about how to locate the best dentist for you and your family. It is important to have a family dentist because oral health is so crucial to your overall health. Below are some tips to ensure that you find a reputable dentist.
Find a Dentist That is Covered By Your Insurance
You may be looking for a new dentist because you moved to a new city, or perhaps your employer switched dental insurance. Maybe your current dentist is retiring, the reasons to locate a new dentist are vast. First, you want to find a dentist that is covered by your insurance. Dental insurance is a little different than medical insurance. Ask your insurance provider to give you a list of local dentists you. You may have to visit the prospective dentists’ website or call the dentists’ office for further questions, but this list of local dentists will help narrow your search and should be your first step. If you don’t have dental insurance you can still get a list of local dentists via a google search.
Consider Basic Logistics
Make sure you consider the details that work best for you. For example, is the new dentists’ office easy to get to from your home and work? What are the office hours and do they work with your schedule? Remember that regular dental visits help you keep your smile healthy, so the the easier it is to get to the office for visits the better.
Is Your New Dentist A Member of the ADA
If you decide to choose a dentist who is a member of the ADA, you are choosing a dentist that has taken a pledge to do five things as a part of the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. The first pledge is to respect a patient’s wants and needs. What this means is that the patient has the right to be involved with making decisions about treatment. You can also expect the dentist to provide privacy and confidentiality. The second pledge is that the dentist will do no harm. This pledge means that the dentist will keep you safe and healthy. So, the dentist must keep his or her knowledge current, and be prepared to refer you to a specialist if needed. The third pledge is to do good, by providing timely and high quality treatment. This means that the dentist considers your needs before anything. Fourth, is to be fair. This simply means that the dentist you will not discriminate for any reason. Finally an ADA dentist pledges to be truthful. That means that the dentist will form a relationship based on honesty and be completely truthful about all diagnosis.
Meet The Dentist in Person
It may serve you well to meet with any prospective dentist before making any final decisions. Make a list of questions to bring with you, and bring any relevant paperwork with you if you have questions about your dental history. This is also a way to see what the atmosphere in the office is like.