Whether you have just moved home and need a new dentist or you are not happy with your current one, choosing a family dentist is not something that should be rushed. While you may be inclined to simply select the dentist that is nearest to your home, there are, in fact, many other factors that you need to consider.
From whether the practice accepts insurance, to if they offer the latest dental procedures and technologies, to what the dentist is like, keep reading to find out how you can choose the right dentist for your family.
1. Do they accept insurance?
Dental procedures for a family can run into the thousands, so you need to find out if your preferred dentist accepts insurance. Ideally, you want to choose a family dentist such as Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry practice that works with most insurance companies and offers a competitive fee structure.
If you are on a tight budget, a dental practice that doesn’t take your insurance can be a deal-breaker.
2. What credentials does the dentist have?
In the United States, dentists need to have attended an accredited dental school and have graduated after passing both written and practical exams. Be sure to check on a dental practice’s website for their dentists’ credentials and to see how long they have been practicing for.
It can also be a good idea to see if they are participating in ongoing training and further education to learn about any new technologies or dental procedures.
3. Do they have positive reviews?
You should always head to the review or testimonial page of a dental practice’s website to see what the customers have to say about their services. You may also want to ask family and friends for recommendations in your local area, as this can be extremely helpful in finding a family dentist you can trust.
If a particular practice does not have many reviews, this could indicate that they have removed unfavorable reviews, so you should proceed with caution if you are thinking about signing up to this dentist.
4. What services do they offer?
When looking for a family dentist, you need to make sure that the one you choose offers the services that you need. From teeth cleaning to restorative dentistry and teeth whitening, ideally, you want to select a dentist that provides a broad range of services as you never know which ones you might need in the future.
Don’t forget to also ask if a dentist is up to date with the latest dental technologies and procedures as you want to ensure the best possible treatments for your family.
5. What is the dentist like?
The personality of your dentist may not seem that important, but when it comes to finding a dental practice for young children, you want to choose someone with who you can build a great rapport. Of course, you should look for a dentist that is kind and considerate, but you also need to try and find someone who meshes well with you and your family.