Your dentist assists with much more than just teeth cleanings. In fact, your dentist is an integral part of your family’s healthcare team. A good family dentist will help you and your family prevent dental problems and improve your overall health by keeping your teeth and gums healthy. While the term “good” can be subjective, there are many ways in which you can assess a potential family dentist. Use the three tips outlined in this blog, along with your own personal criteria, to find your family’s next dental care provider.
Experience and Credentials
Although every dentist in the United States must graduate from an accredited dental school, in addition to passing both written and practical dental exams, not all dentists are the same. In fact, many dental offices have multiple dentists on staff. It’s likely that not all the dentists in the practice have the same level of experience and credentials. It’s important to understand these facts about a potential dentist before making your decision. In addition, ensure a potential family dentist continues his or her dental education after graduation. Just like any other health care field, new discoveries are being made all the time and your family dentist should be keeping up with them.
Office Experience
The dental office itself plays an important role in choosing a family dentist, and many times gets overlooked. After all, you will be spending time here during your visits and it should be a comfortable place for you and your family. Make note of the receptionist, including whether he or she is patient, pleasant and helpful. It’s also necessary that the receptionist can all your questions regarding appointment times, services, insurance and payments. In addition, assess the condition of the office and whether or not they use the latest dental equipment. A state-of-the-art office likely means the dentist cares about learning and using the latest in techniques, tools and equipment for his or her patients comfort and convenience.
Family Needs
Every family is different and it’s important to understand whether or not the dentist fits your family’s needs. You may have young children or even an aging parent living with you. It may be helpful to create a checklist of your needs, such as pediatric dentistry, orthodontics or even a handicapped accessible office. It may also be beneficial to check the availability of multiple appointments during a one-time slot. An office with several dentists on staff may be able to accommodate seeing your entire family during one time slow. This will save you a lot of time and be a great convenience.
You can begin your search for a great family dentist right now by asking friends, family and neighbors for their recommendations. You can also make an online search for local dentists and read reviews. If you’re searching for a family dentist in the Bellevue, Washington, area, Smiles of Bellevue and Eastside Smiles are leaders in family dental care. Make an appointment today!
