Each family member may have a separate primary care physician, but when it comes to dentistry, most families would love to have the same dentist for everyone. Having a family dentist saves time since you can schedule consecutive appointments for everyone. And say goodbye to taxiing everyone back and forth across town to different offices.
The challenge is selecting the correct dentist for your family. Of course, no one knows your family as well as you do. However, we can pass along the factors other families have found useful when choosing a new dentist.
You’ll have to weigh the criteria based on your circumstances. You may give more significant consideration to some points than others. But here’s a great list of things to begin thinking about when deciding on a new family dentist.
Offers Relaxed Environment
There’s stress for most people when visiting a medical office. The question is, what does that office do to make the patient feel less stressed? Comfortable waiting room chairs and easy-listening music won’t get the job done.
Top-of-the-line dentists will provide comfort in several ways. For example, they may offer cushions for your head and neck and even blankets. You might also have access to free headphones and beverages.
Look for dentists who offer more than one type of sedation. You want the option of oral or inhalation.
Welcomes Everyone in Your Family
The choice of a dentist will be different for a young couple with children than for a retired couple with an empty nest. So, make sure that the family dentist you choose is suitable for the reality of your situation.
Not all dentists see small children. On the other hand, pediatric dentists have practices slanted specifically toward that demographic. Conversely, they’re not used to seeing adults.
Look for a dentist whose promotional materials mention the age range the office welcomes. If you’re unsure, call and ask, giving the receptionist or assistant the age range of your family.
Accepts Several Insurance Plans
If you’re locked into a particular insurance plan long-term, you may only be concerned with whether the dentist participates in that plan. However, if there’s the likelihood that you or your spouse could change jobs soon, you may want to think ahead.
It would be wise to find a dentist who’s part of several well-known plans. That way, there’s an excellent chance that you won’t have to find a new dentist if you change jobs and have to switch plans.
Offers Finance Options
If you need to pay out of pocket, selecting a dentist who offers finance plans is paramount. Generally, the office will mention this option on its website. The medical profession realizes that not all families needing dentistry will be fortunate enough to have dental insurance.
You’ll still have to make sure that the payment arrangements are within your reach. This information is not likely to be on the office’s website. You’ll have to arrange to talk with someone. Often, there’s an administrator who handles the financial negotiations.
Has Convenient Office Hours
It would be great if dental offices were open around the clock. The reality is you will have to look at your family’s schedule and decide which dentist has the most compatible office hours.
Some offices open early, allowing you to get a routine cleaning before work or school. Other dentists work late one night a week or come in on the weekend, usually on a Saturday.
If your family maintains a breakneck pace during the week, having a Saturday option may be your key decision maker. But you should also opt for a dentist that offers an emergency after-hours phone number.
Keeps Up With Dental Changes and Innovations
Any industry can seemingly change overnight. Dentistry is no exception. That’s why looking for professionals who are determined to stay abreast of dental innovations is a good idea.
There are always new certifications and training a dentist can receive. Does the office website mention any? For example, when companies introduce new equipment, the dentist will often have to record a certain number of training hours with the item before he’s allowed to use it.
Willing to Consider Your Overall Health
An excellent dentist doesn’t treat your teeth and gum issues without regard to your overall health. Because the body is thoroughly integrated, dentists know that they should be aware of your other medical problems that could impact or be impacted by oral hygiene.
For dentists to be familiar with your medical history takes time and effort that the ordinary dentist isn’t willing to take. If you want a dentist who will do what’s best for your overall health, look for only those who say they routinely consult with their patient’s primary care physician.
Does Much of Their Work In-House
There’s nothing wrong with a dentist referring a patient to a specialist. No dentist can do everything. But you’ll have to decide whether you mind going to another office for a procedure.
If you have the additional time, referrals may not be a problem. On the other hand, your time may be limited. If so, you’re probably looking for a practice that offers a variety of dental care services, from ordinary teeth extractions to dental implants.
Dental offices are proud of their services and will advertise them to attract new clients, so read their websites carefully. Notice whether they mention executing dental work in-house or partnering with another firm.
Why We’re a Family Dentist Favorite in Houston
When looking for a family dental office in Houston, Texas, you couldn’t do better than Memorial Dentists. We welcome your entire family and participate in a variety of dental insurance plans.
If necessary, you can even discuss finance options. We don’t believe economic restrictions should prevent anyone from having healthy teeth and gums.
We also offer early morning appointments, including on Saturdays. And that’s just one of the reasons your friends and neighbors have chosen Memorial Dentists.
Don’t delay contacting us any longer. Schedule your family’s first family dentist appointment today.