9 Tips for Finding A Vancouver Dentist

January 28, 2016, Homer Dental Centre

How to Find the Right Vancouver Dentist

Choosing a dentist is an important task.You want a dentist you can talk to, learn from and feel good about visiting.  It is a partnership in healthcare and you want to use the same dentist for years to come. How do you go about finding the right dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) offers several suggestions:

Recommendations – Ask Friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbors, other group members, your physician or your pharmacist and see who they use as their Vancouver Dentist

Referral – See if your current dentist can suggest someone in your new area.

Professional listings – Contact your provincial or territorial regulatory authority or dental association. Many association websites have a dentist locator or dentist directory. Good oral health care requires a good relationship between you, your dentist, and the dental team. You may want to call or visit more than one dental practice before making your final decision.

To help we’ve come up with a list of the top 10 things to consider when looking for a new Vancouver Dentist :

1. Does the dental office submit claims to all insurances?

Ask if they submit claims to all insurance providers of if you have to do that yourself and pay first. Most dental offices do submit claims and they may even send in an estimate claim before you get any work done. It is worth asking as you don't want to be caught off guard at the end of your dental visit

2. What  payment options are available? and if you are not insured what do they offer  non-insured patients?

Dental insurance is a big deal and you want to know what your plan is.  If you don’t have insurance asking your new dental office about a big consideration financing options is important. Some practices what payment upfront and others offer payment plans. It is always good to know what you are getting into before you decide on a dentist.

3. Where is the office located and What are the office hours?

The Location of the Dentist office. Is the location convenient? How long does it take to get an appointment? What are the office hours? are they open on weekends? A big part of getting to the dentist is convenience. To maintain a healthy set of chompers  you must be able to make your biannual appointments.  Convenience is key  when choosing a dentist.

4. Does the Dental office offer specials or do anything to show

appreciation for current patients?

Introductory offers  and referral programs are common in dental practices. Some practices even have promotions to show their appreciation for existing patients. This might be something to consider when looking for a dentist.

5. How does the Dentist help make patients comfortable.

Not many people asks this question but it is important to know.  What do the dentist do to make sure you are comfortable. If you have anxiety some dentists will offer you anti anxiety medication. Knowing what your dentist does and what the  dentist’s approach to helping patients is a key component to feeling safe and comfortable when getting treated.

6. Continued Training & Education

Does the dentist continually educate themselves on current information. Are they part of any groups or ongoing educational programs? Dentists that are up to date on current practices and dental advancements will make your overall all dental experience better

7. In an emergency what can you expect?

It is always good to know what to do in case of an emergency. Many dentists will have an informational message as their outgoing message to help patients know what do when an emergency happens.  Ask your new dentist  if they have emergency hours or  what they should do in case of an emergency. It is always good to be prepared.

8. Do they discuss treatment plans and  give cost estimates?

Your treatment plan is going to be personalized. Having a discussing about  your treatment is important. Ask questions about if procedures are covered under your insurance plan.  Ask what you should expence and how do do your aftercare. A dental office should detail everything that will happen so you know what to expect, how many visits you might need, how much it will cost.

9. What is the office like?

You will be visiting the dentist office at least twice a year.  Make sure you are comfortable. Things to consider are cleanliness and friendliness. Is this a place where you can see yourself visiting

Choosing a new dentist is an important decision. It is a partnership and mos likely a long term relationship. Hopefully these tips above will help you find the perfect practice. If you are looking for a new dentist, give us a call  (604) 408-2408 to set up an appointment to make a visit and meet the doctors. Our office is in the heart of Yaletown steps away from the skytrain

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