We have covered this topic before, but with a new year started, you may be looking at some changes around your house and family, it doesn’t hurt to review the subject again. One of those changes may be getting on track with taking better care of yourself and your family, starting with regular dentist visits. Selecting a dentist is an important decision no matter if it’s for you or for your entire family. Daily Rosen Dentistry would like to review some suggestions with you on making that decision.
You know for certain you want a dentist that is certified, licensed and trained for sure. Being comfortable and trusting your dentist is important too. You should look for a dentist that has an amiable approach, making you feel relaxed and at ease. Especially if you are using the same dentist for your children. Children have different needs than adults, so if you are looking for a one-stop dentist, make sure that the dentist has a way with kids that won’t terrify or traumatize them.
Once you make your appointment for interview, arrive a little early and look around the waiting room and the rest room. If there’s cluttered corners and dust, they probably don’t have a regular cleaning crew or cleaning schedule. Inquire about the size of the staff. A fully staffed dental office will have a nurse, a dental hygienist and office personnel too. Somebody that sets appointment and greet patients as well as a financial person that handles billing and insurance. In smaller offices the dental hygienist may be be the dentist too, which is fine, expect when they are busy. You may not get the one-on-one attention that you’d expect or want.
If this is the dentist you will be using for your children, the waiting room should have a section dedicated to children for entertainment. Nothing can be worse than sitting and waiting for children with nothing to do. A corner that is brightly decorated, age appropriate toys and perhaps a television or movie going is always helpful. For adults, how recent are the magazines in their waiting room?
During the interview, ask for a tour of the facilities and inquire about the technology they use. They don’t have to the latest in technology, but you should note if there is equipment sitting aside and not being used. Is that out of date equipment they have moved out yet or is it non-functioning equipment?
During your interview process, ask to see the tools they use and explain their process of certain procedures that you or your family may be needing.
Inquire what their approach is with individuals. How do they handle a person that is afraid and nervous over one that is comfortable and relaxed. Explain any worries or apprehensions you may have and use the response you get as one of your decision factors. If they do service the complete family from infancy to senior citizen, what are the different approaches and practices?
Do they have offer patient reviews and recommendations? Ask for before and after pictures. Many dentist offices have pictures up on the wall, but if they don’t, ask. When you begin your research for a dentist, ask you family, friends, neighbors and co-workers for suggestions. Word of mouth is the best advertisement.
One of the most important things to ask about is the financial part of doing business with them. Do they accept your insurance? For those who don’t have dental insurance, do they offer discounted rates for cash paying patients? Also, what are the day and hours of their operation and are they convenient to your home, office or kids school? Some procedures you may need to return for a few days in a row, having them close by is very helpful. Having hours on Saturdays or evenings can be helpful if you have children in school or travel on business a lot and can’t get away.
You can’t afford to over look your dental health, it should be considered as important as your general health. Like the old saying goes ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Don’t neglect your dental care, it’s too costly for the cure and repair. Call us today at Daily Rosen General Dentistry and make your appointment for a tour and interview! We are always expanding our family here1