Finding The Right Family Dentist: Factors to Consider

Regular dental checkups and care are essential for maintaining a functional, healthy, flawless smile. One of the main benefits of family dentists is that you and your family members receive prompt and reliable dental care whenever necessary.

However, with so many dental professionals available, you might wonder how to choose the right family dentist. In this article, let’s explore the various factors to consider when finding and selecting a family dentist in your locality.

What is family dentistry?

A family dentist is quite similar to a general dentist. However, they are trained and experienced in addressing oral care to dental patients of all ages, including kids and adults. A general dentist often focuses on young adults and adults. However, sometimes they can take older teens.

Family dentists offer dental cleanings, checkups, fillings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, x-rays, tooth extractions, and dental bonding.

Tips for choosing a family dentist

One way to find the best family dentist near you is to ask for referrals and recommendations from your family members, friends, or workmates. Alternatively, conduct a quick Google search of reputable family dentists in your area. Once you have a list of potential family dentists, use the family dentist selection criteria below to identify the right dentist for your family’s dental needs.

• Credentials and qualifications

The only sure way of getting your family quality dental is choosing a family dentist that’s trained, qualified, and approved. You can review and verify their credentials through the state dental board’s website or check whether they have an active license. Also, check if they have any suspicions, warnings, or complaints against them.

• Experience

A family dentist with significant experience in dental care will likely provide better dental care for your family than one without. You can ask the potential dentist how many years they have been practicing.

• Online reviews

Most patients will provide an online review of their experience with a dentist. Checking online reviews of past patients can give you an idea of the dentist’s qualifications and experience and what to expect from them.

• Location and accessibility

It doesn’t make sense to drive for hours for basic dental cleaning. This is especially helpful during dental emergencies. You do not wish to see your loved one agonizing in pain just hours just because the dentist is too far away. The right family dentist should be easy to get to from home, school or work.

• Dental office hours

A good family dentist should have reasonable office hours. If possible, you should access dental care after work or school. Be sure to inquire whether they consider emergency dental care. You may want a readily available dentist to ensure prompt and high-quality care for your family.

• Dental care treatments and services provided

Since you don’t know what dental problem may develop, it’s essential to have a family dentist offering a wide range of dental treatments for all family members. Most family dentists are trained and experienced in offering basic to standard dental procedures like dental exams, cleanings, fillings, teeth whitening, tooth extraction, bonding, veneers, and dentures.

• Insurance and payment plans

Dental care for your family can be quite costly. Having a family dentist who takes your insurance can help offset some of your dental care costs. Also, be sure to ask about their payment plans. Having a dentist that can spread payments over a certain period can help manage your budget well.

• Your budget

Budget can be a deal-breaker when it comes to dental care. You want to work with an affordable dentist. Besides taking your insurance, inquire about out-of-pocket payments. While you shouldn’t settle for the cheapest, ensure the dentist you work with has reasonable rates and can meet your family’s needs.

• Communication and friendliness

A well-qualified and experienced family dentist may not be great to work with if you don’t have a good relationship. The right dentist should be friendly and easy to interact with. It’s important to have a dentist your entire family is comfortable working with. This makes dental appointments easy and prevents or reduces dental anxiety or phobia, especially in children.

Contact Our Family Dentist in Dover, NH

Do you need a qualified and experienced dentist for your family? Contact Belknap Dental Associates to up your family for reliable dental care with our dentist near you.