If you are looking for a partner in dental care, then you need to make sure you find the right dentist for the long run. However, it is not as simple as it sounds. There are dozens of practitioners in Kenosha alone. It could take a good amount of time and effort, but here are a few tips to help you speed up the process. Choosing the right dentist is an important decision you need only make once.
1. Aim for Convenience
This does not always mean proximity to your home. The dental office could be close to your work or your child’s school. Other than location, you should also consider office hours. It will be hard to schedule appointments for a dentist who only works when you are on the job too. Instead, you might consider a practitioner who provides late hours once a week or even a few odd hours on the weekend to accommodate your needs.
2. Look for Comprehensive Care
You want a practitioner who can provide for you and your family, someone who offers all the treatments you require. Consider both cosmetic and orthodontic treatments and general dentistry.
3. Be Sure He or She Handles Emergency Visits
A reliable dentist should plan to handle dental emergencies, but there are some who refer emergency care elsewhere. You need to know how to reach your practitioner for emergencies that occur outside office hours, and what will happen in case of an emergency.
4. Ask About Education and Experience
Does the dentist have any certifications? Are they members of any associations? What type of specialized training has he or she completed? How long has the practice been in business? Does the dentist participate in ongoing or continued education and training? These are all important questions to find the answers to before committing to a dentist.
5. Think About Insurance
If you want to take full advantage of your benefits, then you want to find a practitioner who is part of your provider’s network. This will lower your out-of-pocket expense and make dental care more convenient, especially if the office submits the insurance claims for you.
6. Determine if the Office is Clean and Organized
This is not only for safety, but also efficiency. Check to see if staff wear gloves, what the treatment rooms look like and the type of technology they use around the office. If you call ahead you can find out if there is a possibility, you can take a tour of the office before you make an appointment. This will give you first-hand experience with the staff, the office layout and the dentist.
7. Get to Know the Staff
Speaking of office staff, they are going to be partners in your dental care. You will want to find an office with concerned, courteous and welcoming staff members. Are they child friendly? How do they handle your private medical and dental records? Will they be able to put you at ease during treatments? The only way to know is if you call the office and schedule a visit.
8. Reviews from Satisfied Patients
Take a look at testimonials on your dentist’s website. There you will find out more about the patient experience and how they felt about their care. This can give you a good idea about what you should expect if you choose treatment from that particular dentist. Also ask around the neighborhood or a local physician for recommendations. Ask who they see for dental care and what they like about their dentist.
9. Are You Comfortable With the Dentist?
If you want optimal dental care, you need to find a dentist you can trust. This means someone down to earth who answers your questions and someone you trust to do a good job. Look for honesty and openness.
10. Trust Your Instincts
If there is anything about a dental office or practitioner that does not sit well with you, then go with your instinct. Just be sure to take your time and do your research so you will make the right decision.
If you want to schedule a tour or speak with a member of our staff, give us a call.
