Finding a general dentistry practice that meets your family’s needs can be challenging. You may have the impression that all dental offices are equal. However, when comparing dental offices, it is best to follow these steps to compare their quality, services, and convenience.
Step 1: Check Recommendations From Family and Friends
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to check a dentist’s reputation. If your friends or family members love their dentist, they may be excited to provide a referral. At the same time, if they are unhappy with the dentist’s services, they should be able to offer an honest opinion based on personal experience.
Your primary care doctor and pharmacist may also have helpful ideas for your search, as medical practitioners often have contacts in the community.
Step 2: Research The Dentist
Please start with the prospective dentist’s biography on their website. Explore their qualifications and education. Verify the details of their biography by checking dental schools and professional organizations.
Check the practice’s website to determine whether it is informative and well-organized. A practice’s website should show attention to detail and a desire to keep patients informed.
Step 3: Understand Their Services
List the services you need most and compare your chosen offices. For example, if you need a practice that treats both adults and children, ensure they offer this care.
If you need a service the practice does not provide, you may need a referral elsewhere, which could be costly and inconvenient. For example, many general and family dental offices refer patients for procedures like root canals, dental implants, and periodontal maintenance, while others can complete the treatment in-house.
Step 4: Read Online Reviews
Always remember that online reviews may vary in reliability. However, you may want to include this information in your search if you check reviews and see general negative or positive trends.
Step 5: Check Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
Contact your dental insurer to ensure the prospective practice is part of their network. Check out-of-pocket costs for typical procedures. Find out whether the practice takes alternative forms of payment, provides financing, or offers discounts.
Dental costs vary significantly by city. Ask the practice for a general price list for standard procedures like crowns, fillings, and cleanings.
Step 6: Visit the Office For a Tour
A reputable dental office should be open to welcoming you for a tour. Look for organization, cleanliness, comfort, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.
You can often get a sense of how well the office runs by visiting and taking in the general atmosphere. If patients and staff seem unhappy and stressed, choose another practice.
Ask how long it takes to secure an appointment for a routine cleaning and a minor problem like a toothache or broken restoration. If it takes too long, you may want to look elsewhere.
If you have difficulty planning in advance, an office where you need to schedule a cleaning six months in advance may not be the right choice. However, remember that many offices need at least a month’s lead time before scheduling a cleaning.
Ask whether the practice offers emergency services and how to contact them after hours. Many dental offices advertise emergency care but do not offer after-hours support.
Step 7: Make Your Decision
When you complete these steps, you will understand how your prospective dental practice works. You can compare it to the competition and make an educated decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Dentistry
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most dentists want to see every patient at least twice yearly, starting at age one. Following a biannual schedule helps your dentist detect early-stage problems and keeps issues like gum disease and tooth decay in check.
Can a cleaning harm my teeth?
A dental cleaning is a gentle procedure that does not harm teeth. Patients who feel discomfort during dental cleanings, especially during scaling, typically have gingivitis or more advanced gum disease. Regular cleanings and excellent home care can reverse this condition.
Call Wilson Park Dental
We would be honored to become your dental home and to answer any questions you may have about our practice. Please call our Rapid City, SD, office at 605-343-9352 to speak to our friendly, helpful team.