How to Shop Around for the Best Dentist
1:56 AM
Going to the dentist frequently is important for our general health. Researchers are now finding evidence that bad teeth can lead to other problems, such as heart problems. Sometimes looking for the right dentist can be overwhelming. In this article you will learn seven easy things to remember that will help you find the a great dentist.
You would be surprised to see how flexible dental offices have become in scheduling patients over the last few years. Choose a dentist who is willing to work around you and your family's schedule. Some offices are now even available on the weekends, perfect for families with two working parents.
Once you make an appointment you are expected to arrive and receive treatment. Before you commit to an appointment, be sure that the dentists and hygienists providing care for you are covered by your insurance plan for the maximum level of benefit. I recommend verifying with both the office and the insurance company. Cases have come up where office staff wasn't aware that the dentist stopped participating in an insurance plan.
A great service provided by the dentist's staff is called a treatment plan. They take all the work that the dentist or hygienist want you to receive and tally up the charges. Then they call your dental plan and find out an estimate of what they will pay. Then you have a comprehensive list of what work should be done and an estimated out of pocket cost. Once you receive your treatment plan, be sure to ask the staff how you are expected to pay our share.
Always choose a dental professional that is certified and licensed with the American Dental Association (ADA). This will ensure that you receive care from a professional who is fully trained and will enhance your dental health. You can also view information about a dentist through a program funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services called Health Grades.
Choose a dentist that is nearby. Dental work can be stressful enough without driving through traffic and high gas prices. This also helps you arrive to your appointments on time or even early.
Choosing a great dentist or hygienist is only half of the equation. You will usually only see them while you are sitting in the chair. Once you are finished with your treatment, you will deal mainly with the office manager and their staff. Choose a practice that has high levels of customer satisfaction, and don't be afraid to ask for references. This will make the billing and other administrative aspects of your experience go smoothly.
Not all dentists charge the same amount for the same procedures. Always ask a dental office if they charge the "usual and customary" amount for their procedures. Every year the ADA finds out the charges for procedures in each zip code, makes an average, and publishes the figures as "usual and customary". Usually an insurance plan will only pay up to this amount. Anything over is the patient's responsibility.
You would be surprised to see how flexible dental offices have become in scheduling patients over the last few years. Choose a dentist who is willing to work around you and your family's schedule. Some offices are now even available on the weekends, perfect for families with two working parents.
Once you make an appointment you are expected to arrive and receive treatment. Before you commit to an appointment, be sure that the dentists and hygienists providing care for you are covered by your insurance plan for the maximum level of benefit. I recommend verifying with both the office and the insurance company. Cases have come up where office staff wasn't aware that the dentist stopped participating in an insurance plan.
A great service provided by the dentist's staff is called a treatment plan. They take all the work that the dentist or hygienist want you to receive and tally up the charges. Then they call your dental plan and find out an estimate of what they will pay. Then you have a comprehensive list of what work should be done and an estimated out of pocket cost. Once you receive your treatment plan, be sure to ask the staff how you are expected to pay our share.
Always choose a dental professional that is certified and licensed with the American Dental Association (ADA). This will ensure that you receive care from a professional who is fully trained and will enhance your dental health. You can also view information about a dentist through a program funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services called Health Grades.
Choose a dentist that is nearby. Dental work can be stressful enough without driving through traffic and high gas prices. This also helps you arrive to your appointments on time or even early.
Choosing a great dentist or hygienist is only half of the equation. You will usually only see them while you are sitting in the chair. Once you are finished with your treatment, you will deal mainly with the office manager and their staff. Choose a practice that has high levels of customer satisfaction, and don't be afraid to ask for references. This will make the billing and other administrative aspects of your experience go smoothly.
Not all dentists charge the same amount for the same procedures. Always ask a dental office if they charge the "usual and customary" amount for their procedures. Every year the ADA finds out the charges for procedures in each zip code, makes an average, and publishes the figures as "usual and customary". Usually an insurance plan will only pay up to this amount. Anything over is the patient's responsibility.
About the Author:
John Andersen is the co-owner for TreasureValleyDental.com, which is an online tool to help people find the right Boise dentist. Previous to that, he worked in the insurance industry for 5 years.
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