Choosing a dentist is an important part of our lives and health, especially if you have a family with children who need care for their growing teeth. There are a lot of different things to think about when picking a primary dentist, and though several areas should be thought about, narrowing it down into five categories of importance is a great way to start. Keeping these questions and issues in mind, begin to look at local dentist offices and start making a list of ones that fit your families needs.
It is always best to go and visit the office before making a final decision to get a personal feel for the environment. Talking with the staff and getting a feel for their personality can help the decision process. Friendly, informative, and enthusiastic staff members and dentists are a sign of a great practice and is important because you will be establishing a relationship with these people as they will be taking care of your teeth for the years to come.
Latest Dental Technology
There has been an explosive growth in technology related to oral health, and while many practices choose to stick with the tried and tested methods, others are choosing innovative routes. Newer technology can offer faster results, less painful procedures, and in some cases, they can come cheaper than the older technology that has been used for years.
Ask the staff and dentists what kind of new technology they have implemented in their practices. Ask questions about cosmetic dentistry, lasers, and other areas you may have heard or read about. Listening to them speak about the positive and progressive changes they've made to their systems and operations can help steer you in the right direction when choosing a dentist.
Will They Accept My Insurance?
Many dentist offices have specific approved insurance companies and policies, so it's important to talk with them about which ones they accept. If you don't have dental insurance, be sure to ask about whether the staff might be able to work with you on payment options. Without insurance, dental procedures can become costly, but it is still extremely important to make sure you are visiting your dentist on a regular basis.
Depending on your insurance, you may be limited in the options available to you. Be sure to ask straight away whether or not a dental office will accept your insurance so that you don't waste your time, or get your heart set on an office, only be left down when you find out they don't accept your plan. Always make sure you and the staff have an understanding of your needs and what you're expecting to get out their services.
Office Location
For some, traveling isn't a problem. However, it is entirely dependent on the family and their needs. Finding a practice close to where you live or in a town you visit often is your best option unless you don't mind driving a bit to reach the office. Once you've taken the time to decide how far you're willing to go, make a list of the offices within that area to consider.
Another thing to think about is what is around the practice. Some are located in downtown areas with plenty of activities to experience and places to go afterward, while others are nestled into quieter, residential areas. Look at the area around the practice you're thinking about, and decide if it meets your needs.
Online Reviews and Referrals
A great way to dig deeper into a practice is by searching online for reviews and testimonials from existing/former patients. By reading reviews, you can get a more personal look at what other people have personally experienced. This will give you a better overview of the practice than just reading their website will. Be sure to look at a multitude of reviews, and don't focus specifically on one or two bad reviews. There are always going to be people that didn't like something about a business, and they are more likely to air their grievances online in the form of a bad review. So be sure to take a look at the general consensus throughout a range of reviews to get a true idea of what the dentist office is like.
Referrals from friends and family members is also a great way to find a new dentist in your area. Hearing positive or negative feedback from those you trust can give you great insight to what the dentists is really like and the quality of care you can expect. Get opinions from everyone and see if there are any that overlap and check out those offices first!
The Continuing Education of Dentists and Staff
In a field that is constantly changing, it's important that those you are trusting to care for you and your family's oral health is continuing to learn and adapt to the new discoveries and advancements being made every day. Take a look on their website to see if you can find any information about recent classes or workshops, and if you don't find the information you're looking for, ask the staff when you go in for a visit. Learning about the different advancements they are learning about can help give you an idea of what to expect in their care.
A sign of a good dentist is one that is knowledgeable and capable of sharing that wisdom with you. Being curious and asking questions is a great way to not only learn more about the practice and the staff themselves, but about what you need to know, as well, when making a decision. If you find a dentist who is willing to take the time to talk to you about concerns or answer your questions, you're probably looking in the right place.
Think Water Tower Dental Care might be the right Chicago dentist for you? Contact us today and come get to know us!
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