Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
When selecting a dentist, it's a good idea to think about a lot more than their ability to put in some fillings. A family dentist is someone who will become a part of your life, and it's wise to choose one carefully. Follow these four tips to make sure you'll have a better experience when you have your chompers looked at.
Check Out Their History
Many professionals now keep profiles on career-centered social media sites like LinkedIn. You can look up a dentist you're considering and quickly see what sort of history they have.
Keep an eye out for evidence of a commitment to continuing education. Procedures can and do change over the course of years, and getting more input from instructors and other professionals is the best way for a practitioner to keep up.
Talk with Their Staff
The family dentist may seem like the centerpiece of a practice, but the staff matters a lot, too. Take note of how they handle your calls and deal with scheduling appointments. It's also a good idea to watch how they deal with other patients and billing issues. They're likely to be on their best behavior when greeting a new client so anything negative on the first day should be a source of concern. Remember: even the best dentist in the world will struggle to make their practice any better than their staff.
Meet the Hygienist
Although the person who drills the teeth gets all the glory, the professional who keeps it from coming to that is just as important. The hygienist often ends up being the person who dispenses advice about how to avoid things like gum disease and what sort of toothbrush you should use. In smaller practices, they're often the only person who can present a dissenting opinion to the doctor, too. A hygienist and family dentist should complement each other's skills to provide patients with the most possible coverage.
Insurance
It's never fun dealing with medical issues and insurance companies, but you'll always want to make sure you're going to a dental clinic that your carrier will cover. Don't take the word of the office staff that your insurance will be fine. Contact your carrier and tell them where you're going, and they will inform you whether a visit will be covered. You should also talk with your insurance provider about which specific dental procedures they're willing to cover.
Share11 September 2019
