Did you know that less than 65% of adults visit the dentist each year? The percentage drops even lower in younger generations.
Taking care of your teeth is more than daily brushing and flossing. Regular checkups and professional cleanings are a must. A dentist can give you teeth a deep professional clean while also pinpointing any issues in your mouth.
If you want to take charge of your family’s dental health, you’ll need a reliable family dental center.
Importance of Proper Dental Care
Routine trips to the dentist can help prevent common dental problems such as gum disease and cavities. Many dental problems aren’t noticeable or painful until it’s too late.
Make an effort to visit your family dental center at least twice a year. If you’re at a higher risk for dental health issues, more frequent visits are ideal.
High-risk patients include:
- Diabetics
- Smokers
- Pregnant women
- Patients with gum disease
- Patients prone to bacterial infections
- Patients prone to plaque build-up
Looking for a new dentist for everyone in your family? If so, read on for 7 useful tips for choosing a quality dental office.
1. Find a Reputable Dentist
When looking for a top notch family dental center, the most important factor is reputation. A quality dentist will have a long-standing reputation and plenty of happy patients to boast.
Do your homework on local practices. Determine which practices have been in business the longest.
Ensure each dentist is a member of the Canadian Dental Association.
Take time to browse online testimonials. The more positive experiences that patients talk about, the more likely it is that the dental practice is reputable.
Aside from online reviews, you can also ask friends and family members for referrals. No one will refer you to a dentist they’re unhappy with!
2. Check the Dental Board
Once you’ve done some research on the dental practice, now’s the time to dig a little deeper.
Practicing dentists in each province must be licensed. Licenses are maintained by each province’s dental board. Aside from license issuance, these boards also keep track of claims submitted by patients.
Before choosing a dentist, check with the dental board. Ensure the dentist doesn’t have suspicious or multiple claims.
Steer clear of a dentist with many claims.
3. Find a Family Dentist
If you have a family, finding a one-stop-shop for everyone’s dental needs is a must.
A family dental center should have experience working with patients of all ages. Going to a dentist that has no experience working with children can be problematic.
Having a trusted dentist makes trips much less worrisome.
The dental office you choose should have experience in a variety of services including:
Ensure that the dental center you choose offers the services your family requires.
4. Visit the Office
Don’t hesitate to reach out to potential dental offices. Set up time to visit the office and to meet with the dentist and staff.
Once at the family dental center, take a look around.
Does the office look clean and well-kept? Look at the cleanliness of the floors and patient rooms. Avoid a dirty dental office at all costs.
What is the ambiance like? The right dental office will make you feel calm and comfortable.
Is there a waiting area that caters to adults and children? A place to sit and wait is a must.
During your visit, you’ll also want to meet with the dentist and staff members. Take this time to ask questions.
Potential questions to ask include:
- What are the office hours?
- Is my insurance accepted?
- How is my dental history recorded?
- Does the office offer financial options?
You’ll also want to talk about any dental concerns. Do you have a child with severe anxiety when visiting the dentist? Dealing with a pesky cavity that has gone untreated for years?
Ensure that the dentist answers all of your questions and understands any concerns.
5. Accessibility Matters
When choosing a family dental center, accessibility, and convenience matter. Determine what works best for your family.
Do you prefer a dentist near home or near your children’s school? How flexible is the dental office when scheduling appointments? Are you looking for a dentist with weekend office hours?
Know your wants and needs before choosing a dentist. If the dental office doesn’t meet your needs, you’re less likely to plan visits.
6. Look for a Big Picture Dentist
Before committing to a family dental center, learn about the office’s philosophy.
A quality dentist will pinpoint dental problems and offer several solutions. Avoid dentists that make decisions without first consulting with you.
Don’t you want to have a say in the care you receive? Choose a dentist that can explain your treatment options. You want to know the pros and cons of each option to ensure you’re making the best decision.
The dentist you choose should also offer a big picture of your dental and oral health. This allows for informed treatment decisions in regards to your budget, timeline, and needs.
7. Understand Your Dental Health Coverage
Your dentist choice may be dependent on your dental health coverage. The important part is to choose a dental office that accepts your insurance. Otherwise, you risk high deductibles and potential out-of-pocket costs.
Here Is Your Go-to Family Dental Centre
At Dentrix DentalCare, we know the importance of a healthy mouth. From dental cleaning to root canals, you can count on our services to give you a happy and healthy smile.
We specialize in treating patients of all ages. You can depend on us for an anxiety-free trip to the dentist.
Don’t let your dental health suffer any longer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. For added convenience, patients can also book an appointment online.