Whether
you’re relocating to a new area or just shopping around for a new dentist,
knowing what to look for is important. After all, the dental care industry is
constantly evolving and you may not know all of the available options. In this
article, I’ll share some of the most common things prospective patients are
looking for when they visit my Jacksonville-area dentist office.
Access
Can
you get to the office easily? Is it in a convenient location?
Family
Needs
Is
the practice family-oriented or does it cater to a more adult crowd?
The
Lobby and Waiting Room
The
Staff
Are
they focused on individualized care from the moment you walk in?
The
Appointment Schedule
The
Treatment Rooms
Are
they comfortable? Do they have media (e.g. TVs, magazines, and/or music) that
will help ease my anxiety?
The
Dentist
What
is his/her experience level? What are the qualifications and specialties of the
practice? Am I comfortable with his/her communication style?
Insurance
Coverage and Payment Options
Does
the office accept my insurance? Are they willing to work with my provider if
it’s out of network? Does the office offer payment plans or special financing
for expensive treatments?
Updated
Technology
How
up-to-date is the treatment equipment? Does the dental care staff, including
the dentist, participate in continuing education efforts?
Active
Engagement with the Community
Does
the office have a Facebook page? Do they interact with their patient community
via Twitter, Google +, or Instagram? Do they run treatment specials or coupons
through Groupon or their own website?
Positive
Reviews
What
is the dentist’s reputation? What do reviewers say on Google +, Yelp, and
Facebook? Does the dentist respond to review comments in a timely, respectful
manner?
Summary
There
are many more aspects to picking a dentist than the ones I’ve listed here. But
hopefully these questions can serve as a shopping checklist for your dentist
search. Good luck and remember: keeping up with check-ups is the best way to
keep your smile healthy and to avoid costly dental treatments.
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