Choosing a family dentist can be harder than it sounds. There are many factors to take into consideration when picking out the perfect dentist for your family, especially if you have children. To help you make the right choice, let’s go over the top five things you want to look at when trying to choose the best family dentist for the job.
- Insurance Policy
It’s no secret that going to the dentist can be a pretty big money sink, especially if you’re having to take multiple children over the course of the year. This being the case, you want to check and make sure the dentist accepts the type of insurance you have before showing up. There’s nothing worse than standing at the desk after a visit and being expected to pay only to find out that they don’t accept your insurance. Fortunately, this is a relatively small task to take care of, and can be done when making your first appointment, or when looking around online at the different dentists in your area.
- Other Payment Options
It’s no secret that insurance can be unreliable at times so you always want to make sure that you have an understanding of how a dentist will charge you in the case that something goes wrong with your insurance company. The good news is that most dental practices will work out a payment plan with you so that you’re not stuck having to pay a massive bill all at once. Another thing to consider is whether or not the dentist offers special payment plans for emergencies if you don’t have insurance. This can be a lifesaver if you or a family member gets a tooth ache, or suffers an injury that affects their teeth and gums.
- Child Friendly
Taking a kid to the dentist is no picnic, and having a dentist that can put your child at ease can make the experience a lot better for everyone. To get an understanding of which dentists in your area are best with kids, talk to friends and coworkers, and see what they have to say. You can also look up reviews online, and see if they have anything to say about how child friendly the dentists offices in your are are.
- Special Conditions
While most dental practices are generalists who can handle a wide variety of issues, it can be a good idea to ask ahead of time if you or a family member has a specific condition that needs special care. For example, if you have chronic gingivitis, you may want to ask if the dentist has specific treatments for it. Other gum and tooth diseases that need special attention should also be asked about in advance as it will save you, and the dentist, a lot of trouble.
- Special Services
In addition to being able to treat special conditions, you’ll also want to find out if the dentist offers special services as well. Services such as teeth whitening, oral surgery, and sedation dentistry can all make a big difference depending on the situation, and can help you to avoid having to visit different dental practices to get what you need.
Take Your Time
One of the biggest keys to finding the right dentist for you and your family is being able to take your time, and look over all the options available to you. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and give them a call either, their staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Remember, taking the time to find the best family dentist now, can save you a lot of trouble later.