Finding a new dentist is usually at the bottom of a family’s to-do list after moving to a new town, but it shouldn’t be. It can take a while to get an appointment at a good dental clinic, so parents should start looking as soon as they reach their new destinations, or even before the move. Read on to find out what to look for in a dental clinic.
Insurance Options
It’s always a good idea to start narrowing down options by asking what types of insurance each Dentist in Centerville accepts. Without insurance, the costs of dental care can add up fast, especially if someone in the family needs extensive restorative work. There are two ways to go about determining which dentists take a family’s current insurance. Parents can either call each clinic separately or call their insurance companies to ask which dentists in the new area are covered on the network.
Available Services
Everyone’s oral health needs are a little different. People who have always been assiduous about brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular cleanings and exams may just need preventative dental care, while those who haven’t been to the dentist in a while often require more extensive options.
At a minimum, the dental clinic should offer a full range of dental procedures, including family dentistry, restorative procedures, and cosmetic services. If anyone in the family has a dental phobia, it’s also a good idea to find a clinic that offers sedation dentistry.
Appropriate Credentials
No one wants to have dental work performed by an unqualified practitioner. While it’s rare to see unlicensed practitioners, it’s not uncommon for dentists to begin practicing their crafts right after getting out of college. It’s better to go to a dentist who has committed him- or herself to continuing education and has the credentials to prove it.
Good Reviews
There’s no better way to find out what to expect from a dental clinic than to ask other patients about their experiences, but that can be tough when families are new to town. Parents who don’t know anyone in the area can turn to online reviews for help with deciding who to trust with the family’s dental care.
When reading reviews, keep in mind that the important thing is to look for trends, not to focus on one negative review. Disgruntled patients are more likely to take the time to leave reviews. If there’s one report of terrible service and many five-star reviews, that’s still a sign of a good dentist.
Get the Search Started
It can take a while to find a good dentist in a new town, so it’s a good idea to start the search before the moving truck arrives. Look for all of the qualifications described above and don’t be afraid to visit various dental clinics in the area to find out how they compare to the competition. Everyone working at the clinic should be kind and professional and patients should feel comfortable with asking questions about their care.
