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Did you know that around 45% of adults in the United States didn’t recieve dental care in the year 2019?
Insurance and anxiety can prevent families from getting their teeth cleaned, but it shouldn’t get overlooked.
If you want to give your family the confidence to smile and healthy oral habits, you should find them a dentist.
Continue reading to discover some of the most important factors to consider when looking for a family dental office!
Search for the Right Location
One of the most important tips for finding a family dental office is to search for the right location.
Whether you want your dentist to be close to your home, work, or the kid’s schools, you need to consider your options. Think about the times that you will be setting appointments. If you want your children to miss less school, try to find a dental office within 5 miles or so of the building.
Another reason to pay attention to the location is because of traffic. Fighting traffic to get to a busy intersection where your office is can get overwhelming.
Know Your Needs
If you need a pediatric dentist or someone that can also do braces, you need to find the right office.
Not all dental offices provide the same services, especially the same services at the same cost. Trying to find local pediatric dentist offices can get frustrated since many of them aren’t accepting patients. If you can’t get the exact dentist you want, identify what is most important since other dentists can help.
Braces, implants, and specific dental procedures aren’t done by everyone. Write a list of the most important needs for each person in the family. When you speak with the dental office, you can check that they can help your family.
If you are simply looking for a dentist for annual cleanings, your options will be much broader.
Ensure That Your Insurance Is Accepted
Depending on the services you receive, the office may or may not accept your insurance.
You can contact the dental office or your insurance company to see if they are in your network. When you don’t have insurance coverage, costs can rise quickly without any assistance. Always ask for a cost breakdown ahead of getting services, especially if you don’t have insurance.
Try to find an office that accepts your insurance, but keep in mind that not everything gets covered. Cosmetic work can involve some of the most expensive procedures, however, most of it will get paid out of pocket.
Look at Reviews
The internet is a fantastic resource for finding local dentists and offices.
Since people can share their opinions and experiences, it gives you a basis of how the office functions. Many people share specific events from the office, typically they are positive or negative. Take each review with a grain of salt since issues can get addressed or exaggerated by a client.
If you are concerned about any comments you see, talk to the dentist about it. They might be able to provide you with comfort in how they have addressed the issue and learned from the customer. Finding a dentist that is transparent will also make you happier with your decision.
When the office is new and doesn’t have as many reviews, consider asking the team for referrals.
Visit the Office
Walking through the dentist might not be as exciting as walking through the Willy Wonka Factory, however, it is still a good idea.
Visiting the office will expose you to the drive and parking situation. Pay attention to the local traffic and where you need to park, especially if there are parking meters. You might want to call ahead to notify the office that you want a tour, they often let a dentist talk to you as well.
These visits help find family dentists because you want to make sure the environment is welcoming and friendly. When the office is cold and intimidating, your children might develop anxiety or fear.
Research the Dentist’s Experience
A wonderful thing about the internet is that you can learn about someone before even meeting them.
Before you visit the office or talk to someone, take a few minutes to research the dentist’s experience. Most offices have 2 or 3 dentists working from the same building, so you might want to check them all.
This experience will help you identify which dentist to go with confidently.
Talk to the Dentist
If you are going to the dentist’s office, take time to talk to the dentist while you are there.
Planning a meeting and starting a conversation will provide you with answers and comfort. If you have any concerns about their office or prices, you can discuss them in person and try to find a way to make it work.
It’s also important to talk to the dentist if you have special needs or conditions. Some people suffer from dental anxiety, when the doctor is aware of this, they are often willing to accommodate the patient.
Which Dental Office Is Right for Your Family?
Finding a family dental office can get overwhelming when each family member has their own needs.
Paying attention to the location of the office and the insurance that they accept should be your starting point. From there, you can look for offices that will meet your family’s needs and ensure that everyone is comfortable.
Don’t be afraid to talk to the dentist or visit their office to determine if it will be the best choice.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about oral hygiene and taking care of your and your family’s health!
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