It’s arguable that nothing is more difficult than managing a family. With your own work schedule as well as your spouse’s, the kids’ school schedule, extracurricular activities, doctor’s appointments – you name it! You have to be a super parent to juggle it all. Unfortunately some things are bound to get left by the wayside. One thing that can’t get left behind is dental care.
Ignoring your dental health can have serious consequences that include tooth decay, gum disease, health problems; not to mention stains that leave your smile tainted. During check-ups dentists also check for signs of other health problems not associated with dental care. The early detection of these conditions could save your family thousands of dollars in medical bills or just might save your life.
Okay, so we agree that is important for the whole family to see a dentist, but now you’re faced with the question of which dentist is right for me? These ten steps will help pick the right dentist for your family.
Know your dental health care benefits
You wouldn’t go to the car dealership without a peak at your credit score first, choosing a dentist should be no different. Your choice of dentist could be determined by your dental health plan. If you don’t have dental insurance benefits be sure to ask if they have alternative payment methods such as payment plans or credit/debit/cash options.
Check your state dental board
You wouldn’t buy a used car without a vehicle history report, choosing a dentist is no different. Each state has a board of dentistry website that tracks the history of claims against a particular dentist. Make sure that the dentist you are about to see does not have any suspicious claims brought against them.
Ask friends and family for recommendations
It is important to ask people with your best interest at heart for recommendations for a good dentist. It’s important to get a dentist with a good reputation.
Schedule a Consultation
The only way to truly get a feel for a dentist is to meet with them face to face and ask questions. The questions you ask the dentist will lead you find out about their philosophy as a dentist, let you know how well the dentist explains treatment, and how comfortable you feel asking the dentist questions. If you are unable to schedule a consultation take a good look at their website. Some offices such as Dr. Angie Rhodes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offer virtual tours of their office.
Factor in location of the office
Whether you live in huge city or in a very rural area there is a dentist that serves your area. How far you are willing to travel for an appointment will help you pick a dentist. But keep in mind that closer does not always equal to better.
Professional Qualifications
Outside of having a good reputation and checking your state dental boards, it may also be helpful to know their professional qualifications gained through experience.
Factor in your personal comfort
Primary health care physicians really become part of your family, so when making your choice be sure you are comfortable. Questions like: How far out do you schedule an appointment, and how long do your clients typically have to wait may seem petty, but they are important questions especially when you are considering your children. Never be shy to ask those questions. Your dentist should make you feel comfortable enough to ask any question that concerns you.
After Hours Emergency Care
This seems like something that would be unnecessary information about a dentist right? That’s until you’re at Jr.’s first t-ball game and ball hits him smack in the face knocking out every tooth in his mouth, or that pain in the back of Dad’s mouth is now bleeding and won’t stop. It’s important to see what kind of after hours care your dentist has available to their patients.
What services does the dentist offer
Does the dentist perform oral surgeries or, would you have to go to a third-party to receive care. Does the dentist routinely do oral cancer screenings, look for gum disease or correct bites during examinations? Dr. Angie Rhodes offers a host of services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative care. Dr. Rhodes is also an Invisalign 2017 Premier Provider which could keep you from needing an orthodontist as well as dentist saving you money!
Evaluate the dentist after an appointment
I know this seems a little counter productive but sometimes you just won’t be able to gauge how things will go until they’re going. Things to note during your appointment are how comfortable you felt about how it went, do you dread going again, and of course did the dentist seem interested in you as a patient as well as your overall health and well being.
These tips will definitely help you pick the dentist office that is right for you and the whole family! We know it can seem a little overwhelming, but with just a little research and planning, hopefully it will be a decision you only have to make once. The providers here at Angie Rhodes, DDS have your back and would love to be someone you consider when choosing a family dentist. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!