Questions You Should Consider Before choosing a New Dentist
You should also consider the qualifications of the dentist. Look for a dentist who has earned an advanced degree in dental medicine, such as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD). This shows that they have completed rigorous undergraduate and graduate studies at accredited institutions.
Ask about their professional affiliations with organizations like the American Dental Association or other local dental societies, as well as any specialty certifications they may have obtained in areas such as pediatric dentistry or endodontics (root canals). If you’re interested in cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or veneers, ask if your prospective dentist is certified by one of these organizations:
What Services Does the Dentist Provide?
The first question to ask is what services does the dentist provide? This can be a complicated question, so it’s best to break it down into more manageable pieces.
First, inquire about the range of services offered by your potential new dentist. Are they familiar with all types of dentistry? Do they have experience treating children or seniors? If you need orthodontic treatment, will they be able to help you obtain it at their office or do they refer out for that kind of work.
Second, ask about their availability for preventive care and treatments such as cleanings and exams (also known as prophylaxis). How often should these procedures take place? Are there any special requirements like having no food or drink after midnight before an appointment so that no bacteria gets into your mouth during sleep–or something like that! Thirdly, find out if this particular dental practice offers emergency services 24/7/365 days per year–you never know when an accident might happen!
What Are the Office Hours and Location?
Before you schedule an appointment, it’s important to know what the office hours are. You want to make sure that your new dentist is open when you need them–and that they’re not going to be closed for holidays or other reasons.
Also, ask about their location and accessibility. Do they have parking? Is there a bus stop nearby? Are there public transportation options available for those who don’t drive (elderly people, children)? If so, how long does it take for someone using public transportation from this location reach their destination after leaving the office building?
Finally: find out if flexible scheduling options are available in case of emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances like illness or family obligations that may prevent someone from being able to make it into work on time without having an appointment scheduled ahead of time.*
What Are the Payment Options?
Inquire about the payment options.
Ask about the cost of different services.
Find out if the office offers any discounts or payment plans.
What Is the Office Environment Like?
You should also ask about the office’s atmosphere and decor. Is it clean, comfortable, and well-maintained? Do they offer any amenities or conveniences (like coffee or tea) to make your visit more enjoyable?
Ask about the staff’s friendliness and professionalism. You should feel comfortable talking with them about any concerns you may have about treatment options or procedures–and they should be able to answer your questions in a way that makes sense to you.
What Are the Office Policies?
You should also ask about the office’s appointment policies. Do they accept same-day or walk-in patients? If you’re looking for a dentist who will work with your schedule, this is an important question to ask.
Also inquire about the office’s cancellation and rescheduling policies. How much notice must be given before canceling or rescheduling an appointment? If you have an emergency situation that requires immediate attention, will they accommodate you if possible?
You’ll want to find out if the office offers any guarantees or warranties as well. Does their guarantee cover everything from fillings to crowns? If not, what does it cover exactly?
What Are the Technology and Equipment Used?
When you visit a new dentist, it’s important to ask about the type of technology and equipment used. This includes asking:
What kind of digital radiography or intraoral cameras do they use?
How do they sterilize their instruments? Do they use an autoclave or another method?
How do they prevent cross-contamination between patients (especially when there are multiple people working in one room)?
What Is the Office’s Reputation?
It’s important to find out what the office’s reputation is. Ask for references from past patients and check online reviews and ratings, as well as patient testimonials. If you’re not sure where to look, ask your dentist or a family member who has had a positive experience with their own dentist. You can also do some research on your own by searching for the office’s name in Google search results or looking at the Better Business Bureau website for information about complaints against them (if there are any).
