If you’re like most people, you’ve probably thought about visiting the dentist during your lifetime. But once you hit middle age, or if you’re single and looking to cut down on oral health care costs, it might be time to consider changing your habits seriously. Luckily, finding a great family dentist isn’t difficult. After all, everyone wants to feel comfortable when visiting the dentist, so many people will do anything to find a great practice with good reviews and reasonable hours. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of common dental problems that are out of reach for many patients.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect dentist — one who understands your needs as a family and can work with you on price — then keep reading to discover helpful tips that will help you find the perfect dentist for your family vote:
Know your price point and budget before you visit the dentist.
One of the first steps toward finding the perfect dentist for your family is to know your price point and budget. This is because different families have different needs and want in terms of dental care, and having the right mix of price and service can make or break a positive visit. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry! There are plenty of affordable dental practices out there. However, if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you may have to look into paying a bit more. As a general rule, the more expensive your dental treatment, the more detail and care you’ll receive. So, if you’re willing to pay a little more for quality dental care, then a luxury dental experience may be worth it.
Ask for a referral before scheduling your first appointment.
Asking for a referral before you visit the dentist can help you avoid the “what should I do?” conversation many people have when they first sit in the dentist’s chair. Unfortunately, this is the conversation that happens when people face the scary prospect of having teeth removed — even if you have them allayed! Plus, if you can get a referral from a friend or relative, you may save some serious cash. So when you ask for a referral, make sure that you let the person who referred you know that you’re going to the dentist. This will allow them to explain their experience and whether or not they’d recommend the practice to others.
Find a practice that has been around for a while.
Successful practices have been in operation for a while, so they’ve accumulated a large enough clientele to know just the right people and deliver quality service. Look for practices that have been in business for a while, as this will give you a better idea of how long they’ve been in business and whether or not they’ve been operating in a capacity where they’ve been able to deliver quality service. If a dentist has been in business for a while, they’re likely to have a solid reputation and can retain their clients. This means they can work on a budget, providing quality service at a reasonable price.
Get to know the dental hygienist beforehand.
You may be apprehensive about interacting with the dental hygienist because you’re worried they’ll be able to tell whether you have an infection. After all, who wants to come to the dentist with a cold or a fever? However, during orthodontic (ortho) or Periodontal (paro) intensive care (typically a two-week stay), the dental hygienist is allowed to look inside your mouth and identify any infected areas. While the dentist does their best to avoid looking in the mouth, it’s the hygienist’s job to ensure you receive the best care. Therefore, the hygienist’s role is to maintain oral health and prevent infection. Consequently, you must get to know your dental hygienist before your visit to feel more at ease with the experience.
Ask if they have clip-on LED lights in their office.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you may consider paying more. Successful practices have LED light systems that can be used in the office or during appointments. As a result, you won’t have to worry about driving to the dentist’s office during a rainstorm or other inclement weather. Moreover, you may even save on phone bills by using the dentist’s office’s phone system.
Request extra care during appointments.
Some dentists are hesitant to add extra services during the appointment because they don’t want to sound like they’re charging you for something you didn’t explicitly ask for. However, this is often the case when extra services are associated with a higher price point. For example, an hour of special care during your first visit may cost more than expected. Still, the cost of additional services, such as Endodontia or Prosthodontia, is usually higher. Therefore, if you need more time during your first visit, ask the doctor or dentist before you get in the chair.
Get to know your dentist and find one that’s right for you.
Once you’ve scheduled your first appointment, you can look for the right dentist. Look for one who specializes in teeth whitening or is willing to offer virtual teeth whitening. Additionally, if your family has teeth enamel issues, you may be able to save a lot of money by going with a dentist who specializes in that. However, if your primary concern is cost, then you may want to look into finding a pediatric dentist in Clackamas. Many kids under the age of 10 can be treated by an adult and finding one who specializes in children’s dental care can be a bargain compared to the cost of treating a child in an adult-only office. Make sure to check out reviews online for pediatric dentists so that you can make an informed decision about your option.
Bottom line
Finding the perfect family dentist isn’t difficult, but it does require knowing a few things about your health and dental needs. In addition to knowing your price point and budget, you’ll want to know the extra services your chosen practice may offer. Moreover, you’ll also want to find a dentist you feel comfortable with, who you feel confident will provide quality service at a reasonable price.
The good news is that there’s no need to stress yourself or your family when finding the perfect family dentist. Instead, take the first step towards a lifetime of healthy smiles for your family by looking for a dentist in SW Portland, OR. You’ll likely feel much better once you visit the dentist and get the necessary care. After all, having a great family dentist isn’t something you want to pass on to your children — it’s something you want for yourself!
