Dear Patient: How to Select a Dentist (and how to Avoid it)
It's the perfect time to find a dentist. Perhaps you're new to the area, or perhaps you're looking for to make a change. There are a few factors to consider in your search for a dentist who is suitable for you. It's tempting to visit the nearest dental office or to trust the neighbor's recommendation However, I encourage you to spend the time to find the best dental practice for you.
How do you choose the best dentist
Check out their credentials
They attended dental school, but what else? Health care is an evolving career, and it requires an enormous amount of time to keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and treatments. What kind of education did they receive? What amount of continuing education does the staff do every year? Is the whole staff doing continuous learning? Everyone in your office should be providing the best dental treatment. After all, they are treating you, as well.
Look around the office--and inquire about their tech
Although no one should own the latest gadgets and gizmos but they should stay current. Are they using paper charts or computerized office? Do you get a waft of mothballs and stale cigarettes smoke Dentist in Tucson as you enter? Do you see the office neat and tidy? Do they have the technology that can see what's going on in your mouth? The majority of dentists have intraoral cameras as well as digital radiographs. Will they take the time to explore the condition of your mouth?
Discuss what you can expect when you meet with an incoming patient
When you call, ask what you can expect from your new-patient appointment and the length of time it will take. While you might think that you're just looking to wash your teeth but your oral health is far more complicated than the routine six-month checkups you're accustomed to. The appointment for new patients should be between 1 and 2 hours in length, and it may not include a cleaning! There should be time to meet with your dentist and the staff to discuss your health-related goals or set them out. A dentist's office that allocates the time needed for this is truly looking to provide comprehensive care.
Talk to a specialist in your area
If you are unsure, talk to experts. Endodontists and periodontists can treat patients from any area of the community. They are familiar with how dental offices interact with patients and their colleagues. You're more likely to know the name of a person if you call at least three or four people.
How do you select the right dentist
Picking the right health provider using the tips I mentioned will take some time, and who would have time? Consider how much time you could waste with the wrong provider. Picking someone who's not equipped with the expertise you need or who treats problems when they're real issues, as opposed to examining the reason behind the cavities you're experiencing or receding gums that result in sensitivity, could end up costing you time and teeth.
I have seen patients choose their dentist over the years. While these strategies may appear to be a lot less trouble but they do have serious negatives when it comes to receiving the care you need.
By the list from your insurance company
Although this may seem like an ideal way to make the most value from your insurance coverage and save a dollar or two, picking your new dentist from a list of providers isn't always the most efficient choice. Unfortunately, the insurance company isn't always looking out for your best interests. There's little to no vetting to judge the quality of service you'll get. So don't think of the names on this list as a "recommendation"--it's simply a list of offices that have agreed to the terms and pricing set by the insurance company.
The price tag
As with many things in life, less expensive dental treatments are not always the best option over the long term. A good dentist can help you save money, time as well as physical discomfort. In my 25 years of practice, I've seen gorgeous and ugly dental work come with all sorts of prices. Sometimes, the most costly dentistry isn't always the most effective value. As an example, if you have an enormous cavity inside your tooth and you want to fill it up with tons of material the tooth might crack or require removal and an implant put in. For the cost of a perfectly fitting crown from the beginning you could save hundreds of dollars.
Because someone tells you your dentist is "nice"
Although rapport is essential in all relationships, but especially with your healthcare professionals but it's not always translated into the quality of the care you will receive. I've had the pleasure of working with lots of dentists that would never have allowed to do dentistry in my mouth. Ask to see some of their work take a look at before and after images and x-rays of crowns that they have made. How does their dentistry look to you? Do you think it appears natural? An x-ray should not show the dark spots or ledges around crowns. Ask them to describe the image you're looking at and what makes it so exceptional.
The office is around the corner
The convenience is wonderful however, it doesn't mean that you'll find the right fit especially in today's busy world. This is something I am reminded of often on my commute to work. I drive by many dental offices and I consider, maybe I should work there. When I think about it, driving a few extra miles to show my pride in the service my office delivers is completely worth it.
Find a dentist who is willing to listen, support you set health goals as well as evaluate your current and future needs will set you up for a lifetime of good oral health. And good oral health can, in turn, benefit your overall wellness and longevity. Make smart decisions. It could save your life.
Wellness Dental
2165 W Orange Grove Rd
Tucson, AZ 85741
(520) 214-8803
