Many people consider their dentists as long-term healthcare partners, which is logical as they have access to their dental health history during every visit. However, you may have to look for a new dentist if you move to a new city or switch dental insurance plans, or your dentist has decided to retire. So if you are looking for dentists/dental doctors nearby, here are a few tips to help you find one.
Check if the dentist’s clinic is easy to reach
Unless you undergo an intense procedure, your dentist’s appointment should not keep you engaged for the entire day. To save time, it’s best to find a dentist located near your home or workplace. You can use a location app on your phone to check how far the dentist clinic is located. Ideally, it should be at a distance convenient enough for you to travel after or before work. If you have children, scheduling appointments after school on the way home is also a good option.
Learn about their working hours
Find the best dentists in your area with convenient hours that work for your schedule. It’s important to book an appointment with a doctor who is available during your free time to ensure your visit is productive. It may not be possible for you to take a break from your schedule every time you have to go to the dentist. Although some clinics have telehealth services that you can use, you will still have to visit the doctor for checkups and cleanings.
Know about the procedure for an appointment
Getting an appointment at the dentist should not be a convoluted process. The simpler it is, the better. Before choosing a dentist for long-term dental care, learn about the appointment procedure. In most cases, calling up the clinic and booking your slot is all you need to do for routine checkups and procedures. However, in case of an emergency, it’s vital to know whether the dentist accepts walk-ins. Therefore, it’s recommended to search for nearby walk-in dental clinics to avoid being stuck with a dentist who doesn’t accommodate sudden appointments.
Check whether the dentist is a part of your dental insurance network
When looking for the best dentists near you, don’t forget to consider your dental insurance network. This is because most of your visits to the dentist will involve preventive care such as cleanings, routine X-rays, and oral exams. You will want your dental insurance to pay for these services instead of you paying out of your pocket. But your insurance will only cover these expenses when your dentist is part of the dental insurance provider’s network.
Ensure that the dentist is a member of a registered dentists organization
A good way to ensure that your dentist is reliable is by checking whether they are a member of any national dental association such as the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Academy of General Dentistry (Chicago, IL), and American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH). If you visit any of the best dentists nearby, you will notice that they display their membership openly on the clinic walls. This is like a stamp of approval from an authentic authority in dentistry. This means that the dentist uses reliable, safe, high-quality tools and procedures for your treatment.
Ask if the dentist uses the latest technology
When looking for new dentists/dental doctors nearby, you need to find a clinic that will make your experience comfortable and efficient. This is only possible when the dentist’s clinic uses up-to-date technology such as CBCT, digital radiographs, and digital scanning. These help a dentist offer more accurate and efficient dental treatments that perfectly fit your budget and time.
Enquire about the consultation fee
The consultation fee charged by a dentist depends on various factors, including their level of expertise, experience, and specialization, as well as the location of their clinic. The rental or property prices for the clinic’s location contribute to the consultation fee. So a dentist whose clinic is located in a prime area of the city, their consultation fee will be high. Therefore, ensure you find the best dentist nearby whose fee is within your budget and can be easily covered by your insurance.
Learn about various specializations of dentists
In most cases, you will only require a general care dentist. They will take care of all your dental requirements, from cleanings to fillings and other procedures. However, it is helpful to learn about the various specializations to find the right doctor for your needs, so you don’t end up seeing someone who can’t even handle a basic tooth cleaning.