Finding a primary care dental provider is a proactive decision that supports your overall wellbeing as well as your oral health. Here are some easy ways to locate a dentist and feel confident in your choice.
Begin by thinking about the aspects of a dental practice or dental provider that would be most convenient or appealing to you. These could include:
Input from your friends or family could also influence your decision. For example, if a trustworthy acquaintance recommends a dentist she has gone to for years, that feedback from someone you know could be enough to make you contact the practice and see if it is taking new patients.
Additionally, it is becoming more common for dentists to offer online assessments. Those can be ideal if you want to get prompt feedback about whether a certain issue warrants immediate treatment.
If you do not have an insurance plan with dental benefits, it is beneficial to see if practices in your area offer payment options. Many providers understand that not all their patients can afford the upfront costs of dental visits and want to do everything they can to make them as affordable as possible.
Once you have thought about the aspects above, along with other criteria you deem important, launch the next phase of your search by creating a list of dentists to contact. As you do this research, pay attention to the characteristics of the dental professionals themselves.
For example, how many years of experience does the dentist have? What is their educational background? Have they won any awards or received professional accolades? Getting the answers to those questions and similar ones will help you feel confident about seeing your new dentist.
Reading the reviews of current and former patients is also worthwhile. The feedback you find can help set your expectations for an upcoming appointment. Patient reviews will likely cover things ranging from the dentist's communication style to the office's friendliness.
Once you have narrowed down the options to at least a couple of dentists, it is time to start contacting those offices to see if they are accepting new patients. Be prepared to answer a few simple questions during those initial phone calls. For example, the receptionist may want to know how long it has been since your last checkup and whether you are currently experiencing any oral health concerns.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Marco Island, FL
This overview should get you off to a great start as you search for a dental provider. You can make the most of your first appointment and all future visits by making a shortlist of things to bring up during your time in the office. A dental professional can put concerns to rest and work with you to maintain your oral health.
Request an appointment or call Island Paradise Dental at 239-642-3233 for an appointment in our Marco Island office.
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