Innovative Dental Solutions of Seminole

CHOOSING A DENTAL OFFICE

Changing your dentist is a stressful situation for most people, but there are some things to look for that greatly increases your chances for a smooth transition.

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You notice that I did not label this choosing a dentist. I think it is important to think of it as entire office experience. Here is a short list of things to be looking for when choosing a dental office.

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• Your initial phone contact should be comforting and courteous. It should not be rushed or should it seem that you are in any way an inconvenience.

• The office contact person should be able to answer all your questions or get back with you that day. Answering all questions should not include the quoting of dental fees outside of the initial emergency fee or standard exam fee. This may cause a concern for you. I will address it in the following point.

• In the state of Florida, dental treatment cannot be legally performed without an examination, diagnosis and treatment plan. Once this is completed a very accurate fee estimate can be presented. This is a common point of confusion when new patients just want their teeth cleaned. If the office allows this, you may not receive the treatment that is in your best interest. That is why an office that is practicing proper comprehensive dentistry is not able to present fees over the phone, because the treatment and fees may vary greatly. Ask to see the dentist first, if this is not offered to you. If that is not their policy it could be an indication of other later issues that may occur in your relationship with that office.

• Always have an exact fee estimate presented to you before any treatment. If insurance is involved, have the office check for eligibility, waiting periods or exceeding maximum benefits.

• Have all your questions answered before you begin treatment. If you have a surrogate or someone that is part of your health decisions have them present or available when fees are discussed.

• Make sure that the office has a process for you to contact them after hours.

Besides the overall look of cleanliness be sure to follow your intuition. If you are not comfortable in any way, it may not be the office for you.