5 Tips For Choosing A Dentist

1. Know What Benefits You Get. Oftentimes, people will choose their dentists based on their dental healthcare plans. Some healthcare plans can limit which dentists you can see, or the plan will not pay for the care. Be sure to do your research, and know which dentists and treatments are covered under the plan you have. If you are not sure, call the dentist you want to see, or call your insurance company for more information about what your plan covers. Also, make sure you know your options for what treatments are covered to avoid paying any extra fees that might otherwise be avoided, and which treatments have the lowest copays and premiums associated with them. 2. Ask Around For Recommendations. Once you know the dentists covered under your insurance plan ask around to friends and family in the local area who may see or have seen this specific dentist. Find out what your best options are before committing to a specific doctor. If you don’t know anyone who has seen these dentists, ask your physician or current dentist (if they are someone different) for recommendations. Do your research before committing to a specific practice. Then check to see if that dentist is a member of national-level organizations to ensure they provide quality care to their clients. Agencies such as the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), or local dentistry society such as the California Dental Association (CDA) are some to look for. 3. Factor In Accessibility. It’s important to consider how convenient the location of the dentist is to your daily life. Is the office easy to get to from home or work? Are the office hours fitting with your schedule? If you cannot easily make an appointment and get it the office location weigh the options of seeing some other dentists covered under your medical plan. 4. Meet The Dentist For A Consultation Before Scheduling An Appointment. Before you schedule your appointment, request to meet with the dentist so you can know more of what to expect and what kind of care they seem they will provide. Make a list of questions you would like to ask the dentist, and list of things that are important to you. Ask how they will handle any discomfort or phobias you may encounter during treatment. If you don’t feel comfortable during the first consultation, that dentist probably is not a good fit for you. It’s time to move on to someone who seems a better fit. 5. Evaluate The Dentist After The First Appointment. During your initial visit, be extra-alert to your surroundings. How clean is the office? Is the equipment sterile (remember that is going in your mouth!)? How professional and courteous is the staff? How comfortable do you feel with the hygienist and dentist that are providing care? It ultimately determines to help if you will be willing to continue to use this provider, and if you will go back again. These are just some guidelines to help you choose a dentist that is an appropriate fit for you. Ultimately, it comes down to what your insurance covers, as well as which dentist is the right fit for you and your family. Remember, ask questions: medical professionals, including dentists, are there to serve you and your family! If you have questions regarding this article please feel free to contact us. www.RamonaDentistryofChino.com 909-465-1016 The Ramona Dentistry Team “Where Family Comes First”