So you’re looking for a new dentist… Here’s what you should be asking, AND HEARING when you make that first phone call:
Have you recently moved to a new area and in need of new healthcare providers? Or perhaps the dentist you have seen for years is preparing to retire and you need to start making arrangements to seek your dental care elsewhere. We all find ourselves making that phone call at one point or another, but asking the following questions may help make that process a little easier to find the dentist and dental team that fits your needs and wants.
- “What services does your office provide?”
Finding a dentist who offers a variety of treatment has many benefits. There can be some situations where the dentist suggests seeking out a specialist (ie endodontist, oral surgeon, etc.). Here at Dr. Tenaglia’s, you have already chosen a dentist who has invested herself and her team in advanced training and many areas of dentistry including implants, orthodontics, root canals and TMJ issues. You can now save yourself the trouble of having to find yet another doctor for treatment.
- “How up to date is the doctor’s procedures?”
When you choose a doctor who values the ever-changing world of dentistry, you can rest assured that they also value continuing their education. With this, they can provide their patients with the most up-to-date techniques in the dental profession. Suppose you find yourself in a situation where the dentist suggests the need of a dental implant.
- Where are you to go?! Nowhere.
- What do you do? Barely anything.
- Who do you call? No one.
Many dental offices provide in house treatment because they’ve been to many classes to prepare for a situation like yours and they are ready to do a beautiful job for you. Of course, some offices won’t offer everything but our team at Dr. Tenaglia’s takes 100’s of hours of advanced training to provide you a variety of services so you don’t have to go somewhere else for implants, extractions, etc.
Ding, Lightbulb.
- “How much will ______ cost?”
Let’s face it, the cost of things, in general, plays a huge role in the decisions we make for ourselves every day; your health care being no different. The truth is: you are not cookie cutter. Everyone has their own uniqueness’s and you should be seeing a dentist who believes in giving you a unique experience. What may have been perfect for someone else is not necessarily what is best for you.
Yup, its’ been proven, you are NOT a robot.
You may want to know about how much you can expect to pay for some procedures because you and your family have many needs that need to be met.
Most offices will give you a ballpark number, especially if you are asking the prices for bigger procedures such as crowns and implants. There are many different factors that can affect the price of a dental procedure, and the prices are not always the same when all is said and done.
- “Does your office offer any financing/payment options?”
This question goes hand in hand with #3. In short, the dental office you decide to let handle your health care needs should be able to offer you different payment options/financing.
So, let’s pretend it’s been a while since you have been to a dentist, (we know that’s not true because you love your 6th month checkups) but you have been having some sensitivity in a couple teeth and you have an idea you may need to have a filling or worse, a crown!
You may have insurance but you figure that you need to have more treatment done than your insurance will allow in one year. Now what? You really want to get all of your treatment done at one time and you’ve decided your health won’t be put on hold just because your insurance company is limiting what they will pay.
Perhaps you do not have dental insurance and need some help affording your dental treatment; a dental office that has different payment options is helpful for many people. Some offices collaborate with different financing companies to get you the care you want at a monthly payment that is comfortable and affordable for you.
- “What will my first visit in your office consist of?”
The conversation has been going well, your questions have been answered thoroughly, and you are growing more and more comfortable with the idea of setting up your first appointment. You can, and should ask what you can expect to take place at your first visit. Upon arriving at the office you will more than likely be given new patient forms to fill out. This should cover your health history, including any allergies you have and medications you are currently taking.
It’s a good idea to always bring your list of medications because no one likes filling out that portion, we know.
Once the paperwork is completed your exam will start
As a team of dental professionals, we feel that these are the top 5 questions to ask a dental office during a phone conversation. If the conversation flows and the questions are answered efficiently, you should have no hesitation in scheduling your first appointment.