When you’re searching for a good dental clinic, finding one that meets all your requirements can be daunting. With dozens of dentists to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
The staff members at Dr Tosun Dental Clinic know how hard it is to find a good dentist – that’s why they recommend these six tips to help you choose a dental professional who understands your needs.
1. Check Which Services Are Offered
Dental clinics are slightly different from dental offices, so the services they offer may be different, too. Most fully-equipped practices offer standard dental services, such as fillings, extractions, root canals, braces, Invisalign braces, and crowns.
If you need more specialized or cosmetic dental care, you might need to find a specialized dental clinic.
2. Look for Convenience
Because regular dental appointments are the key to excellent oral health, you’ll want to look for a dental clinic that is in a convenient location. Make sure that the clinic is easy to get to from your home or job, and that they have office hours that suit your schedule.
3. Ask Your Friends and Family for Referrals
Your family members and friends have probably already gone through the difficult process of finding an excellent dental clinic, so the best thing to do is ask them for advice and recommendations. Ask them why they like their dentist and what the practice is like, and then make a list.
If you’re new to an area because you’ve just relocated, join local community groups so you can ask for referrals for dental clinics in the area.
4. Ask Your Old Dentist for a Referral
If you have a dental clinic that you were happy with before you relocated to a new area, give your old dentist a call to ask for a referral – they may or may not have a recommendation for someone in your area, but you won’t know until you ask.
5. Look for a Clinic with a Good Reputation
Always look up the dental clinic that you’re interested in online and have a look at the reviews. Another thing to take note of is how the dentist you’re researching responds to negative feedback, or if they respond at all.
Dental clinics that have a lot of 5-star reviews have a proven track record of satisfying their clients. You can also visit the clinic’s website and have a look at the testimonials.
6. Look for Expertise and Experience
The experience and specializations of the staff at a dental clinic are very important. Find out when the clinic was established and look at how long it has been operational. Look for information about the dentist’s education, experience, and specializations.
The easiest way to get more information about a dental clinic is to call them and ask about the backgrounds of the health professionals who work there. You should also be able to find detailed biographies of the staff on the clinic’s website.
7. Schedule a Tour
When choosing your dentist, a good way to get to know the facility and the staff is to call ahead and schedule a tour of the clinic. When you visit, make sure that everything is clean and comfortable.
While you’re there, pay close attention to the amenities and equipment in the facility. Choosing a dental clinic that uses state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology will ensure that complex dental procedures are done efficiently and painlessly.
Take note of how the members of staff (dentists, hygienists, and receptionists) treat you and other patients while you’re there – if you feel uncomfortable about anything you see, move on to another dental clinic.
8. Find Out How They Handle Emergencies
Find out how the dentist at the dental clinic handles cracked or chipped teeth, gum disease, abscesses, and any other dental emergencies. Usually, this is a good indicator of the emergency services they provide and you’ll quickly find out if you need to look for another dentist.
If the clinic does not handle specialized procedures, the dental clinic may have a network of professionals that they can recommend to attend to your specific dental needs. It’s a good idea to find out what emergency procedures a clinic will do before deciding on one.
9. Ask About Virtual Appointments
In the post-pandemic world, finding out if your new dentist will perform virtual appointments is vital. Knowing if you can consult with your dentist over a call is useful for determining how great the need to schedule an appointment is.
Ask your dental clinic if they offer virtual consultations so that you can eliminate unnecessary trips that may put you at risk of contracting COVID-19.
10. Find Out About Payment Options
Because dental procedures can be costly, flexibility with payment options is a great quality for a dental clinic to have. Dental clinics often have fixed rates for specific dental packages, so enquire about them and decide if the prices are reasonable.
It’s also a good idea to find out what dental insurance plans the clinic accepts, and if they offer dental payment plans.
11. Find Out if They Are In-Network
Usually, a quick search on the dental clinic’s website will tell you if the practice falls within your insurance provider network or not. If you can’t find this information, call the dental clinic and ask.
12. Check That They Follow COVID-19 Protocols
Check that the dental clinic you’re interested in using follows all COVID-19 health and safety protocols. COVID-19 protocols are that all tools and surfaces are disinfected regularly, all tools are cleaned, replaced, and covered between uses, and that staff members wear personal protective gear.
Another indication that the dental clinic is following COVID-19 best practices is if they space out their appointments to ensure that the practice is never crowded.
They may also require all patients to wear a mask, take each patient’s temperature, ask all patients about recent travel, and limit the number of people you are allowed to bring with you.