How to Choose the Best Dentist for You
What happens when you need a new family dentist? Perhaps you've recently moved to Plano, TX or your longtime family dentist has retired. There are a number of reasons why you may be on the search for a new dentist and when it comes time to make your selection, it can be overwhelming. Our team at Parker West Dental Associates understands your concerns and we can make it easier for you. It’s important to find a practice and a dentist that can meet your current dental concerns as well as future goals you may have where cosmetic dentistry may come into play.
We have put together a list of helpful hints to help you narrow your search. Take a look at our tips below to help you decide on a dentist that will keep your smile in pristine condition.
Google is Your Friend!
In the technologically advanced world we live in, there is a vast amount of information right at your fingertips. Begin your hunt for a new dentist with a quick online search by entering “board-certified dentists in Plano, TX.” Do you need a general dentist or maybe you will need a family dentist that also offers pediatric care so that you have one dental practice for the whole family. If you’re thinking about improving the appearance of your smile, you should be looking for a cosmetic dentist.Most dentists are happy to meet with prospective patients to help them feel comfortable before they schedule their first procedure. So give a practice a call and schedule your first dental consultation and appointment. You can also contact a practice to get more information on their policies and treatments.
Practical Location, Easy Scheduling
You shouldn't have too much trouble finding the physical address and hours of operation online for most dental practices. However, you should consider whether their location and hours of operation work for you. Do you want a dentist that’s very close to you or would you be willing to travel a little further for the perfect dentist? Will you be going to the dentist from your home, office, or school? Do they offer late hours or emergency care? You should be able to get in touch with your dentist at any time (usually through an answering service or after-hours phone line) in cases of an urgent dental situation. This will be important if you or a family member ever need emergency dental care.
Ask local family, friends, and co-workers
Your family and friends are a great resource that you know you can trust. In addition, if you are new to the Plano, TX area, ask those who you work closely with if they have any recommendations. The people in your life you trust the most should be able to give you insight on the practice, such as the dental services they offer, the dentist’s “chairside” manners, how efficient they run their appointments, their overall customer service, and much more.
Read all of their reviews
Patient reviews can provide a lot of insight about a doctor or a medical practice. A bad review based on one person's experience doesn't mean you won’t like that dentist. Likewise, a lot of good reviews don’t necessarily mean that you will have a great experience. Consider the collective nature of the reviews and other factors when reading them, such as the cleanliness of the practice, the ease of getting an appointment, the attitude of the staff and dentist, and the modern equipment they offer. Take a look at their website to learn more about them. What cosmetic treatments and advanced restorations are offered? What equipment and technology do they use to help make sure your procedure is effective?
Dig in and learn about their credentials
When you have selected a few prospective dentists, the next step is to compare their education and training. A professional profile on the dentist(s) should be featured on their website. Find out which dental school they went to. Your dentist will ideally be certified by a professional dental board. Earning this certification shows that they are committed to providing the best possible patient care and will remain dedicated to updating their skills. To maintain this level, a dentist is required to complete many hours of additional training every year. You want a dentist who will pride themselves on providing high-quality dental treatments and who will work hard to establish a good relationship with patients.
Understand Pricing and Insurance Policies
Even though we don't suggest selecting a dentist just because of their prices, cost is still an important factor. At your first meeting, ask how much they charge for an annual exam and dental cleaning. You can easily look up the average cost of dental procedures based on your location online. It’s usually not a good idea to select the cheapest option when it comes to your oral health because this could mean lower quality materials or out-of-date equipment and methods. However, costs should not be unreasonably high either. Choose a dentist whose costs run close to the average.
If you're using dental insurance, check with your provider to see which dentists are in their network. Also, check to see what coverage you get with an out-of-network dentist. Ask the practice how they handle insurance claims as well as billing for your remaining costs. If you don’t have dental insurance, does the practice offer a discount? Do they offer flexible payment plans or help finding medical financing with low-interest.
Decision Time!
Having to discover a dentist in Plano, TX who will help you improve the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw while prioritizing your comfort may seem impossible, but it doesn't have to be. Begin your search with a few keywords in Google, ask your friends and family for recommendations, then do a little research on a few dentists. Schedule a few meet-and-greets and make as many calls as you need to. It won't be long before you will be relaxing in the practice of a trustworthy dental professional who will treat you with the utmost care and professionalism.
We hope we've helped make your search easier and be sure to take a look at the Parker West Dental Associates website and blog for great tips on ways keep your smile gorgeous.