How to Choose the Best Family Dentist

Summary: Dental practices change hands frequently and even if the staff remains the same, the best techniques change. Finding a good family dentist requires considering everything from the office location and hours to the knowledge, expertise, and methods of the dental practitioner.

Once you start having a family it is important to begin seeing a family dentist as soon as possible. Everyone needs to have a family dentist that they can go to in order to get their teeth cleaned at least once a year. Some dentists cater to a specific group and may not accept families as patients. If your dentist is one of these dentists or if you do not have a family dentist here is some tips to help you find the right family dentist for you.

Call around and ask

Some dentist will not advertise what groups they cater to so you may need to call them and ask them what they are accepting so you know. After you have called all the dentists in your area you can begin to narrow down your list by going by other factors that also play a role in your decision. For example, if you have dental insurance and you choose a dentist in your network, chances are you will not pay anything out of pocket for routine yearly cleanings and x-rays and you will pay minimal amounts out of your pocket on any procedures. If you go to a dentist that is not in your network, you may pay just as much for the services as others who do not have insurance at all.

Convenient to go to the dentist

Next you want to check on the family dentist Woodbridge hours. Sometimes a dentist that is opened on the hours that you need them, is available. If you work a day shift and your children is in school, you may have to miss work and take them out of school in order to make a dentist appointment so it is important to also find out what hours they keep as well. Some dentists are even open on Saturdays as well which makes it even more convenient to go to the dentist. Those who keep hours in the nights and weekends may not find it possible to take off when they have an appointment.

Handle some cosmetic procedures

You will want to see how much dental work the dental crowns in Woodbridge VA can perform in their office. Sometimes when a dentist is a general dentist they will refer patients to other dentists who are qualified to perform cosmetic procedures. This can be more expensive and take more time, especially if you have to drive a long distance to reach them. Its important that you choose a family dentist that can handle some cosmetic procedures as well. For example, if you have children, they may need braces when they get older so make sure that the family dentist that you choose can offer this service in their own office.

Creating a relationship with your family dentist, needs to start early in life. You need to feel comfortable with your family dentist because you will entrust him or her to take care of your children as well as your spouse in the future. When you find a good family dentist that has everything you need and want, you can ensure that he stays there by posting a review about him to let others know how he caters to your hours, accepts your insurance, and more. Other families are also looking for a good family dentist and your choice may be what he needs.

Tap Into Personal Networks to Find a Family Dentist

Current patients who are pleased with their dentists should be willing to make referrals. Ask friends, co-workers, and extended family members for provider recommendations. Online reviews are another source of referrals, so find a reputable rating site for dental providers and read what current and previous customers have to say. If the family is currently seeing a dentist but wants to make a switch, ask patients of that office who else they would recommend.

Good dentists admit when a service is beyond their specialty and are willing to make referrals. For example, if a couple has a baby and the dentist does not treat infants, a referral can be made to a dentist who specializes in infant care. The couple may elect to remain with the current dentist or transfer to the new provider if he or she also treats adults.

With time and research, it should not be difficult for a family to find a reputable and qualified dentist. Each family member should have examinations and cleanings according to the recommended schedule. If a dental emergency arises, the patient should call this dentist first because the provider is familiar with the dental history of the individual.