An important part of overall health is to make regular visits to the dentist. Dentist visits are not only good for oral health. Emerging research is showing the negative impact poor oral hygiene can have on other areas of your life, such as cardiovascular problems. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are looking for a quality dentist to provide care for your family.
You would be surprised to see how flexible dental offices have become in scheduling patients over the last few years. Choose a dentist who is willing to work around you and your family’s schedule. Some offices are now even available on the weekends, perfect for families with two working parents.
Most people use some sort of insurance or health plan to pay for their dental services. Be careful not to schedule an appointment with a dental office that doesn’t participate in that plan. Always find out first before you schedule the appointment. Once you receive the dental work, it is your responsibility to make sure the bill is paid. The last thing you want is to find out insurance won’t cover the bill after the fact.
Most office managers at the dental office will offer you a treatment plan. This shows you the treatment the dentist or hygienist recommend you receive along with the costs and the amount that any insurance or other plan that you are enrolled in will pay. Before you begin a treatment plan, be sure to understand each item and how the office expects you to pay your portion of the plan. Some offices will allow you to carry a balance and make monthly payments. Others will not. Also remember that the treatment plan is only an estimate of charges and insurance payments.
Above all other things, you should pick a dentist that provides excellent care and is pleasant to work with. There are two ways you can find out more about the dentists in your area. One is the American Dental Association (ADA.) You should always visit a dentist that is fully licensed and certified. You can also read comments from other clients on the Health Grades website from the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Location is also something to consider when choosing a dentist. Some providers are worth driving out of your way to visit. Others may not. Allow plenty of time to get to your appointments, this is courteous for both the dentist and other patients.
Choosing a great dentist or hygienist is only half of the equation. You will usually only see them while you are sitting in the chair. Once you are finished with your treatment, you will deal mainly with the office manager and their staff. Choose a practice that has high levels of customer satisfaction, and don’t be afraid to ask for references. This will make the billing and other administrative aspects of your experience go smoothly.
Not all dentists charge the same amount for the same procedures. Always ask a dental office if they charge the “usual and customary” amount for their procedures. Every year the ADA finds out the charges for procedures in each zip code, makes an average, and publishes the figures as “usual and customary”. Usually an insurance plan will only pay up to this amount. Anything over is the patient’s responsibility.
John Andersen is the webmaster for TreasureValleyDental.com, which is an online tool to help people find the right Boise dentist. Previous to that, he worked in the insurance industry for 5 years.