Finding a qualified general dentistry professional is an important task made more difficult if the thought of visiting the dentist causes anxiety, as it does for so many people. Remember that the dentist you choose will serve as an important partner for your oral health and overall wellness, as poor oral hygiene can lead to additional health problems, including cardiovascular disease.
Choosing the correct dental professional for your needs involves some careful consideration and a bit of research. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.
Start your search by creating a list of non-negotiables, including location, services offered, and any special preferences that you have. Then, ask friends, family, your local pharmacist, and other health care professionals for recommendations for general dentistry providers. Create a list and compare it to your non-negotiables to ensure you are not wasting your time investigating a professional who is not right for your needs.
Your insurance provider should maintain an extensive list of general dentistry professionals in-network. Finding a dentist who is a part of your network will enable you to receive optimal insurance benefits and pay lower out-of-pocket expenses for your dental care.
It would be best to look for a board-certified general dentistry office, ensuring that the professional has the requisite skills, experience, and training to provide quality care. You should also check the history of disciplinary actions and malpractice claims to find a dentist clear of both. State websites and professional search engines will help you to research these issues.
Set up an interview with the professionals on your list of potentials. Focus your questions on experience. While every dentist must begin somewhere, you will suffer far less anxiety if you know that your dentist has previously treated several patients with success. Ask your potential general dentistry practitioner about previous approaches used to handle specific dental procedures or help patients with anxiety. The more experience your dentist has, the smoother your visits will be.
Today's technology enables some issues to be diagnosed and treated with telecommunications, including email, video conferencing, and smartphones. While this approach does not completely replace in-office visits, it may result in fewer dental visits. Certain conditions are manageable by transmitting vital signs and symptoms through a virtual platform, and routine follow-ups can often be handled this way as well.
Reviews posted on a general dentistry website can be very helpful. Patient reviews often outline experiences with the staff, office environment, wait times, and the process of scheduling appointments. Keep in mind that reviews posted on the dentist's website may be selective. Use comments posted through dentistry search engines to find unfiltered perceptions.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Santa Monica, CA
Your choice of a general dentistry provider is important for maintaining a beautiful smile and preserving your overall health. By asking trusted individuals, identifying your list of non-negotiables, and conducting some research, you should be able to narrow down your search and find a dentist that is right for your needs and those of your family.
Request an appointment or call Santa Monica LiveWell Dentistry at 310-828-2440 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
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