Saturday Dentists for Busy Schedules

Finding time in your schedule to do basic things like taking care of your health can be a hassle, which is why some dental offices choose to have office hours on Saturday! While some people literally cannot take off of work or make it across town before medical offices close, others just find it difficult to place a dental visit in the middle of a day. Whatever patients' reasoning, Saturday dentists are now an option.

Weekend openings are a sign of the times, and a very welcome one for busy people. Some people just can't take off of work in time. Your healthcare providers understand that. It's way easier for to have weekend hours than to sit around and hope you make it through rush hour traffic in time for your appointment.

Finding a Saturday dentist is the same as finding any other healthcare provider. Contact your insurance provider to discuss which offices or doctors are covered. After gathering a list of in-network providers, it's up to you to research these options—you can check with certification boards such as the American Dental Association or the American Board of General Dentists. You can also check with your state's Board of Dentistry to make sure staff members have up-to-date licenses and make sure no disciplinary action has been brought against them.

If you're interested in visiting an office that's open on the weekend, make sure the services you need are offered all days. Some offices have specialists that are only in a few days per week, or are off on weekends. Check out prospective dentists' websites or call the office to ask about their weekend offerings.

On that note, ask about their financing options. One may accept most insurance plans, while another might not accept certain ones. Some offices offer low interest rates, while others offer interest-free options. Be open about your budget and the staff may be able to help you find ways to care for your health while not breaking the bank.

Aside from a general checkup, you may be interested in cosmetic procedures such as bonding or veneers. Ask your prospective dentist about their experience and certification in elective procedures like whitening and tooth implants. You never know what you'll need down the road, and you may as well find an office that has a wide range of capabilities.

One great thing about a Saturday dentist is that having procedures where the patient may not be entirely conscious is a much easier process. Patients have an easier time finding someone to bring them to and from their appointment, which is an extremely important safety bonus; patients who are anywhere from mildly to completely sedated should never drive themselves. There's no worry about whether you'll still be drooling from a mouth numbing shot at work—it's Saturday!

Aren't you excited to know you won't have to miss work to take care of your health? Again, as with the selection of any health care provider, make sure you do your research to find a healthcare professional that's right for you.