Dentists - Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Dental Practitioner

If you are looking for a new dentist, there are a few questions you should ask the ones on your list before you choose. Getting some answers is an easy way to ensure that the person you choose best meets your needs, and can typically be done over the phone. Consider some of the best questions to ask the dentists you are thinking about using.

One of the most important details is how you will pay, as this will come up on the first visit. You should find out which insurance providers they accept, if you have dental insurance. If you plan to pay out of pocket, or if your provider is not accepted, inquire about pricing for the services you need. You should also ask what types of payments are accepted, such as credit cards and personal checks. Some dental offices offer payment plans for those getting expensive procedures done, so inquire about this possibility, as well.

Another important detail is the office schedule, as you will need a dentist whose hours work with yours. If you work the typical 9 to 5 job, you should stick to browsing dentists whose offices are open early in the morning or late in the evening so that you do not have to take time off work for appointments. Some also offer weekend visits, so ask about this if you are interested. Of course, if you do not work during the day, nearly any office hours should be convenient for you, though it is still good to know when they open and close.

You should also inquire about emergency situations. Dental emergencies may not be as common as the typical medical kinds, but they come up. For example, your tooth may begin hurting over night, making it hard to sleep, or you may unexpectedly lose a tooth completely. In such situations, it is nice to be able to at least call your dentist to find out what to do. Dentists who offer emergency appointments, or at least someone on-call to answer patient questions, can be convenient.

There are just the main details you should ask about before choosing a new practitioner. Calling each office usually only takes a few minutes, and getting the answers can help you compare the various dentists that you are considering. Of course, some might have these details posted on their website, so check there before you take the time to call.