Stockton Dental Care
2389 W March Ln STE 1B, Stockton, CA 95207
(209) 952-6721
Factors to be Considered While Finding a Dentist
Finding a dentist is something most people dread to even consider. Remember, the little kid who had to be forced to visit a dentist in the popular animation movie, Finding Nemo.
Finding a dentist becomes essential when you:
Have postponed your dental checkup for several years.
Shifted to a new locality.
Feel unsatisfied with your current dentist.
Develop a dental problem when your dentist is not in town.
Become aware that people around you flinch or turn away when you smile or talk to them.
Finding a Dentist: Factors to Consider
Finding a dentist is not difficult but finding the right dentist is. A long term relationship based on trust is what people long to accomplish with their dentists.
The first step to finding a dentist is to take out a list of all dentists available in the locality. Check for references from those you trust or know and then decide.
A simple checklist is provided below to help you arrive at the right decision and not dread visiting your dentist any longer.
Education:
1.Where was the dentist educated and trained?
2.Does your dentist have specialization in a specific field?
3.Does your dentist attend conferences and education workshops to stay updated about new developments in the field?
Location
1.Is the dentist's clinic close to your home or office?
2.Is the location of the clinic suitable?
Attitude
1.Does the dentist have a gentle and caring demeanor?
2.Is the attitude of the dentist and the staff congenial?
3.Is the dentist's approach preventive or curative?
Work Ethics
1.Does the dentist [http://www.patientfyi.com/] offer information on fees and payment plans at the beginning itself?
2.What is the dentist's policy on missed appointments?
3.Are you offered an affordable dental health plan?
Cleanliness
1.Is dentist's clinic clean or unkempt?
2.Are the equipments sterilized several times?
3.Does the dentist and his/her staff wear gloves and other protective gear during treatment?
Emergency Care
1.What arrangements are made to handle emergencies outside office hours?
2.Is it possible to contact the dentist in case of an emergency?
3.Are your calls entertained if they are outside the established time?
You can look for licensed dentists in your preferred locality by searching on online directories such as Patient FYI. At Patient FYI, a comprehensive list of dentists across the US is easy to find and merely a click away. Better still, you can request quotes from highly qualified dentists and secure an appointment with them.
Your dentist is more than just the person the person who cleans your teeth. Your dentist is an important partner in your family's healthcare team. A good dentist can help you prevent dental problems, spot oral cancers, and help improve your overall health by keeping your teeth and gums healthy. That's why it's important to find a good family dentist.
While it's true that the term "good" can be subjective, there are objective measures by which one can assess a potential family dentist. Use these three tips, along with your own personal criteria for a good family dentist, to find your family's next healthcare partner.
Three Tips for Assessing a Family Dentist
1. What are the dentist's credentials and experience?
Dentists in the United States must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass both written and practical exams. Ask what credentials the dentist has or look on his website to examine his credentials. Also note whether or not all the dentists in the practice, if it's an office with multiple dentists, have the same level of experience and credentials. It's also important for dentists to continue their education after graduation. Like any healthcare field, new discoveries are being made all the time. Your family dentist should be keeping up with them.
Ask questions when you call the office. Do you need a dentist who treats children and teens as well as adults? Make sure you ask, because there are some family dentists who prefer not to work with very young children; they may only accept school age children and older as patients, and refer younger children to a pediatric dentist.
Do your children need braces as well as routine care? Some family dental offices offer braces as well as cleanings, fillings, and other routine services. This can be a great time saver for a busy family.
What about people who suffer from dental phobias and fears? There are some dentists who welcome patients with phobias and fears and offer special services such as sedation dentistry, movie or music to distract patients, nitrous oxide and other services to help them feel relaxed. If you need these services, don't be afraid to ask before you make your appointment! A good dentist wants you to feel comfortable during your visit, and his office staff should welcome your questions.
2. What's the office like?
When you call the office, is the receptionist rude and rushed or pleasant and helpful? Is he patient when answering questions or curt? Can he or she answer all your questions regarding appointment times, services, insurance and payments?
You can tell a lot about an office by the person staffing the front desk. That person plays an important role in any professional setting, but most of all in a medical or dental office. If the front office person is rude or condescending, you may be too intimidated to ask for what you need -- not a good situation if you have a dental emergency.
Some family dentists offer a free initial appointment, and such an appointment can help you assess the office. Does the dentist use the latest equipment? A state of the art office means a dentist who cares about learning and using the latest techniques, tools and equipment for his patients' comfort and convenience.
Lastly, is the office conveniently located? You're going to be more likely to keep appointments if the office is convenient to your home, school or workplace.
3. How does the dentist's office fit your family's needs?
Each family is different. You may have very young children at home, or perhaps children plus an aging parent living with you. It may be helpful to create a checklist of your needs such as:
Pediatric dentistry - for my baby and preschooler
Orthodontics for my young teenager
General dental care for myself, my spouse
Dentures and a handicapped accessible office for my mom who lives with us
Another point you may wish to check is the availability of multiple appointments during one time slot. An office with several dentists may be able to accommodate a request for all of your family's appointments during on time slot. That can be a great convenience.
Finding a Great Family Dentist
You can find a great family dentist by asking friends, family or neighbors for recommendations. An online search for local dentists can lead you to some great potential dentists to research, and provide you with an easy and convenient way to find out more information about their practices by visiting their websites.
Whatever you do, though, take your time, and choose your family dentist carefully. A good dentist is a pleasure to visit, a professional who will take care of your family's dental needs with confidence and skill. A great family dentist becomes an integral member of your healthcare team, a trusted resource to keep everyone smiling and healthy.