How To Choose A Dentist: The Questions You’re Forgetting To Ask

Are you or someone you know in the process of finding a dentist, and you don’t know where to start? Fortunately, there are some great articles and tips on how to choose a dentist, and you’ve found a helpful article here with Penn Dental. We have provided you with some specific questions that you can ask your potential dentist, or their front office, to get a better feel for the quality of care that they will provide for you.

What You Need To Know

There is an overabundance of options in finding a dentist for you. But the most important aspect of it all, is finding the right one that will take your dental needs seriously by putting you before themselves. For example:

• Your dentist should want to develop a relationship with you.
• Your dentist should listen to you. Remember, this is your smile.
• Your dentist should inform you.
• You dentist should be confident in his treatment planning.

Now, onto the Q&A of how to choose a dentist. Here are some questions you should be asking your potential dentist, so you can be sure this is the right fit for you.

“What areas of dentistry do you specialize in?”
Many general dentists may also have the ability to do more than just exams, fillings and crowns. There are dentists who take continuing education courses in prosthodontics (dentures), oral surgery (extractions), periodontics (gum care and surgery), endodontics (root canals), orthodontics (braces), pediatrics (children), implants and more. If you are able to find a dentist that does more than just general dentistry, you’ve been given the gift of convenience so that you do not have to be referred to anyone else because of a special procedure that needs to be performed.

• “Do you take continuing education courses?”
  The state of Pennsylvania requires that all dentists must complete 30 hours of Continuing Education courses within a 2 year period. The more they attend, the more innovative techniques should be provided to you.
• “Do you accommodate dental emergencies?”
  You want a general dentist who will be able to accommodate you in dental emergencies. You must keep in mind a dentist can not be everywhere at the same time, so if he or she is out of the office or out of town, there should be a referring dentist for you to see.

• “What are your office hours?”
  This is a common question when choosing a dentist, because most people are way to busy to take time out for a routine cleaning or exam. But keep in mind, for the best care, you may want to consider choosing a dentist for their quality of care, rather than operational hours.

• “Will my copay be presented to me before my appointment?”
  There’s nothing worse than going to your appointment and being asked for a copay that you were never aware of. Be sure you find someone with a front office staff that keeps you up to date on your account and your copays for future appointments.

Keep in mind, insurance companies do not guarantee payment and most people blame the dental office for additional fees, so come in with an understanding that there may be additional charges. If you would like, find a dental office that will preauthorize your appointments. This may take a few months to complete, but if this is a big concern of yours, this will be your answer to your financial headaches.

If you would like more information on how to choose a dentist in your area, check out Penn Dental’s website or give us a call at one of our 2 locations. We hope we provided helpful information on how to choose a dentist that is best for you!