|
|
(HealthNewsDigest.com) – According to the American Dental Association, only half of Americans have their teeth checked every six months. The other 50 percent visit just once a year, and some even less than that. As shown by these numbers, most of us put off going to the dentist until we are in extreme discomfort, or when there is something we want fixed. But the time to choose a dentist is before an emergency makes your trip a necessity.
Here are some steps that you can take that will make choosing the right dentist within reach:
Step 1. Get a listing of dentists in your home or work area.
Do a Google search to find dentists near your home, or near your workplace (if you plan to stop by after work). The key here is to find a place close enough to nullify the mental resistance you might have to your dental appointments.
Your insurance company will also have a list of dental providers that your insurance plan covers. Another place to call is the local hospital for a listing or referrals. In all cases, check each clinic’s operating hours to make sure it aligns with the openings in your schedule.
Step 2. Find out what services they offer.
Not all dental clinics provide the same array of services. Some specialize, while others offer the full range. VSP Dental, for example, provides cosmetic services and preventive services, along with general dental and emergency dental services. Take a look at the services offered by the dental office you are considering and see if your main dental health concern is listed.
Consider what type of care you are after. Are you looking for ongoing treatment, or are you looking for a specialist for an implant or for braces? You could opt to travel a bit further to see a specialist and closer for your regular cleaning visits.
Step 3. Look up reviews online.
Before your first appointment, take a look at what others are saying about their experience at the clinic in question. Look at Yelp reviews. Or Google the clinic name + reviews. Reviews often reveal elements of a customer’s experience that you would not be able to read about on a clinic’s website. You want to feel comfortable with your dentist, and if a large majority of reviews reveal a bad experience, you might be wise to look elsewhere.
Are they good with children? Do they fully explain treatment options? Do they make the patient feel uncomfortable with asking questions? Just as you would before committing to any other major purchase, do your research here too.
Step 4. Find out if they take your insurance.
What insurance plans do they accept? This can be determined by a phone call. And if this is a make or break point for you, you will want to know this as soon as possible. Ask for estimates on how much your procedures will cost with and without insurance. Getting an estimate without an examination cannot be fully relied on, but at least it will give you a ballpark figure. Some clinics eben provide flexible payment options. If the clinic you are considering offers this, you may have found a winner.
Step 5. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable in their waiting room.
Visiting a dentist can be stressful. Some dental clinics further compound this feeling with waiting rooms that are cramped and stuffy. While this element may be the least of the points outlined here, it’s still something to consider. You will need to visit your dentist regularly. Having an aversion to the clinic’s waiting room could make an already-difficult trip that much harder. If possible, look for a clinic with a bright and airy waiting room. One you won’t mind visiting again and again.
Finding a dentist that fits your bill may feel challenging, but investing in the care of your oral health is time and money well-spent.
###
For advertising/promo please contact Mike McCurdy at [email protected] or 877-634-9180