Oral care is a crucial aspect of healthcare. To achieve healthy teeth and a beautiful smile, you need to have a dedicated dentist to whom you can count on when you experience a toothache, need a tooth extraction, and for routine dental assessment and maintenance.
Every dentist has a specialization, and you have to consider your needs when choosing one. You need to ask the right questions because not all dental practices are the same, and so as the procedures and strategies used to address dental problems.
Here are some of the questions that you should ask them:
What is your specialization?
Dentists have their specialization. While most dentist can perform general dental procedures, there are those who are specialized in cosmetic dental procedures.
Others are experienced in performing major dental operations. It’s also nice to know if the dental clinic is equipped with state of the art dental equipment, like dentist in Syracuse that you can check here.
It reflects the doctor’s specialty such as:
- Computerized or digital x-rays. Your dentist will quickly rule out a problem and tell you what’s wrong. A better image is created with 70% radiation. A digital x-ray is less invasive and more comfortable than an x-ray film.
- Dental camera or intra-oral camera. Your dentist can accurately show you what’s happening in your oral cavity through a close-up look on TV.
How long have you been practicing your profession?
Aside from the recent dental education, it’s crucial to know the dental experience of your prospective dentist.
While many doctors have been practicing for many years, you need to ensure that they still keep up with the latest dental treatments, trends, and use of advanced dental tools and equipment.
You also need to make sure that you find out the following information about them:
- Membership to various dental profession organizations
- The commitment of the dentist to continuing education
- Latest training, seminars, and conferences attended
Can you provide recommendations and quote in writing?
A trusted and reputable dentist can provide you with a quote and appropriate recommendations in writing. Before you make a decision, you can think about it further at home and contact the dental clinic if you want to avail their services.
The quote should include the following:
- Explanation of the recommended dental procedure
- The cost and breakdown of the dental services
- Any temporary and permanent restrictions in activity, habit, or lifestyle
- Expected results and recovery time frame
Can you provide me with your portfolio?
Request before and after photos of a specific dental procedure such as a laser teeth whitening procedure and other cosmetic dental procedures. While patient privacy is essential, your dentist can still protect the identity of patients by only showing the treated area without exposing the entire face.
Can I ask for five references?
A good dentist will be glad to provide at least five references. Three of which should be existing or recent patients, and two are healthcare professionals, such as a medical doctor and a dental specialist. Call and verify all information of the five references.
Here are the reasons why you need to obtain professional and patient references:
- Find out if the dental services of your prospective dentist are satisfactory or even above the level of your expectations.
- Attest the dentist’s ability.
- Show the credibility and reputation of the dentist.
- Show how the dentist is well-respected by colleagues or fellow healthcare professionals.
Are there any payment plans you can offer?
Successful dental clinics offer flexible payment plans to their clients.
For instance, you’ll find many trusted and reputable dentists allowing cash payment and insurance coverage to spread out the entire dental care. Co-pays and deductibles are also offered in low monthly installments.
What are the tips and benefits of availing a payment plan?
- Maximize dental services appropriate for your dental condition without worrying of expensive upfront cost.
- Get the right number of dental sessions or procedures without financial stress.
- Avail zero interest payment plans to avoid cumulative interest rates.
Do you offer any guaranteed satisfaction?
While dentists cannot offer any guarantee by law, there are many trusted and successful dentists who are offering a satisfaction guarantee.
It’s essential to obtain a 100% guarantee, and dentists know their knowledge and skill level if they’re able to provide one, which reflects credibility and level of expertise. It also shows that your dentist is willing to stand behind you until you’re satisfied with the results.
Do you employ a “no queue” or “no waiting” policy?
One major cause of frustration is waiting for your turn in a dental clinic. It seems that those minutes and hours wasted looks like disrespecting your time because you expect excessively.
A Successful dentist knows how to manage this common issue by:
- Hiring a dedicated dental appointment setter to ensure no conflicting patient schedules.
- Investing in a dental app or software to automatically handle patient scheduling.
- Having a system to notify patients in advance if there are untoward problems that may postpone or cancel their appointments such as dental emergencies and natural disasters.
- Offering some form of incentive if a patient waits in the reception room for a certain number of minutes (e.g., $50 discount, free minor dental service).
Do you use any method to determine how many dental visits a patient needs?
Choose a dentist who has a strategic and objective method of determining the number of visits required per specific dental case. Know the methods used for the following:
- Relieve pain from a major dental procedure
- Obtain the desired results you want
- Follow-up for progress dental exams
Do you have a dedicated website or app for your dental services?
Successful dental practitioners have embraced digital technology. As much as they invest in the state of the dental art supplies, tools, and equipment, it’s also important to choose a dentist who has a dedicated website or app so you can set up an appointment, check information, and contact the dentist easier and faster.
What are the other things you can do on a dental website?
- Read helpful articles about preventing dental health problems.
- Read a step-by-step guide on how to resolve dental emergencies while waiting for a dentist.
- Check customer testimonials and leave a comment or reply to feedback.
- Share helpful information to your social media account to also educate your family and friends.
Do you offer referral incentives or rewards?
Aside from flexible payment plans, it’s also nice to know if the dentist offers referral rewards if you refer a new client.
Incentives may come in different forms such as:
- Free dental consultation
- Discounted patient exams (e.g., digital x-ray, free fluoride water testing)
- Free cleaning or teeth whitening
- Discount coupon on the best dental brands or products (e.g., electric toothbrush, Intra-oral brush, mouthwash, dental strips)
Conclusion
Once you’re satisfied with the answers of the dentists you’ve interviewed, you can make a final decision. These questions should be answered honestly and asked formally to ensure you get the right and straight answers. Remember that your dental health is at stake and you’ll entrust it to your dentist.
A good dentist will even offer a free tour, encourage you to ask more questions and provide proactive free pieces of advice to resolve your dental health problems. You’ll definitely have a peace of mind and confidence once you made the right choice. Good luck and keep smiling!
