Your dentist helps you stay healthy. Having good oral hygiene prevents tooth loss, bacterial infections, and boosts your confidence. You and your family need a dentist who works with you to offer treatment options that fit your needs and budget. With so many options out there, how do you choose a quality dentist?
Variety of Dentist Procedures
When you visit the dentist, it is important they offer a variety of treatments. Your treatment options should include everything from general and preventative dentistry to cosmetic and restorative dental care. Additional services including cancer screening are vital to maintaining your overall health.
Having a variety of procedures in one place means your dentist has solid records of your oral therapies. The ability to perform and monitor your treatments keeps your teeth and gums in great shape.
Treatment for All Ages
While you are looking for a dentist, try to find one that caters to all ages. You may have a dentist that looks after your adult teeth but it is beneficial when your dentist takes care of your child’s and grandma’s teeth as well.
When your dentist treats everyone in your family, you don’t have to worry about going to multiple locations for each person’s appointment. Having the convenience of a dentist who looks after your whole family means you are more likely to keep those regularly scheduled important visits. When you are comfortable going to your dentist, it is likely your family will be at ease seeing them too.
Hours
Too busy during the day for a dentist appointment? Maybe you have a dental emergency or just prefer coming to see the dentist in the evening. When looking for a dentist, it is important that they can see you on evenings and weekends. Your dentist should be able to accommodate your schedule.
It is vital that your dentist have emergency services so they can take care of your teeth immediately when you have a dental crisis. You don’t want to worry about waiting for the dentist to open again the next day when you are in a dire situation.
Questions
It is vital that your dentist get to know you so he/she can provide the best techniques for your personal situation. The more questions your dentist asks, the better they can understand what to avoid or use when treating you.
Certain medications can affect your treatment, and a history of some diseases can affect your oral hygiene. When the dentist knows your history, they are better prepared to assist you with your dental treatments.
Remember to ask your dentist questions so you are fully informed about the process that is about to happen. Getting to know one another is beneficial because it helps you feel comfortable in the dentist chair. Building trust with your dentist helps relieve anxiety.
Sedation
Are you a nervous dental patient? Do you find it difficult to sit still in the dentist’s chair? Your dentist should have sedation options so that you will be comfortable during your treatment. When you relax, your dentist can do their best work. Sedation helps calm your nerves and eases the sensitivity of your mouth during your dental treatment.
Education
Make sure your dentist is qualified to do the work that you need. All dentists in Canada should have a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)/DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine), all equivalent of each other. Your dentist also must be certified byNDEB (National Dental Examining Board of Canada). Look for your dentist’s certifications in their office, they should be in plain view.
Your dentist should be able to answer your questions in a clear and concise manner. Every treatment you receive will be explained in detail by your dentist. Remember, your dentist is your oral health doctor. Are you still unclear about your treatments? Ask again, for clarification and understanding.
Cost
Making a trip to the dentist can be costly. Do you avoid the dentist altogether because you are afraid of the fee? Avoiding the dentist can lead to oral health problems that worsen with time. Ask your dental office about their fee structure and payment options for your treatments.
Do you want a tip? Find a dentist that follows the 2019 Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This guide has suggested prices for dental treatments that correlate to other dentist offices in Alberta that also follow this guide. Fort McMurray Smiles chooses to follow the guide to help you keep costs down.
Direct Billing to Insurance
Perfect, You have a dental insurance plan to cover your treatments. How do you get reimbursed from the insurance company for the services you just paid for? Look for a dentist that has direct billing to your insurance company. This means your dental office can take care of the administration tasks for you. A detailed schedule of the work is issued to your insurance company along with a request for payment. You will only pay the amount not covered by your individual dental plan. Keep your money in your bank to save up for that much-needed vacation!
Remember, a quality dentist helps you keep the teeth you have in great shape and cares about making dental services convenient and affordable for you.
